Intelligent Shading Louvre System

ABSTRACT

A shading object includes a base unit, one or more support units coupled to the base unit, a louver system coupled to the one or more support units, and a plurality of shading elements coupled to the one or more support units and the louver system. The one or more support units are positioned next to each other when the shading object is in a closed position. The plurality of shading elements are folded when the shading object is in a closed position. The one or more support units are moved apart from each other when the shading object is in an open position. The louver system adjusts a horizontal and/or a vertical orientation of at least one of the plurality of shading elements. The base unit further includes one or more weight compartments to provide stability to the shading object.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of non-provisional application Ser. No.14/810,380, filed Jul. 27, 2015, and entitled “Intelligent ShadingObjects,” which claims priority to provisional application Ser. No.62/165,869, filed May 22, 2015, entitled “Intelligent Shading Objects,”the disclosures of which both are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a methods and systems forproviding shade or protection from weather and more specifically to anintelligent sun shading object.

2. Information/Background of the Invention

Conventional sun shading devices usually are comprised of a supportingframe and an awning or fabric mounted on the supporting frame to cover apredefined area. For example, a conventional sun shading device may bean outdoor umbrella or an outdoor awning.

However, current sun shading devices do not appear to be flexible ormodifiable or able to adapt to changing environmental conditions oruser's desires. Many of the current sun shading devices appear torequire manual operation in order to change inclination angle of theframe to more fully protect an individual from the environment. Inaddition, the current sun shading devices appear to cover a set areathat is defined by an area of the awning or umbrella. Further, thecurrent sun shading devices appear to have one (or a single) awning orfabric piece that is mounted to an interconnected unitary frame. Aninterconnected unitary frame may not be able to be opened or deployed ina situation where only a portion or several portions of the shadingobject are necessary to be deployed. Accordingly, alternativeembodiments may be desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects are described with reference tothe following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeparts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1A illustrates a shading object according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a shading object comprising deployed shading objectsaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 1C illustrates a deployment of shading elements according to anembodiment

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a shading object according toan embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of deploying a shading object.

FIG. 4A illustrates a second shading object according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a shading object with a deployed shadingelement according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram on a second shading object accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of operating a second shading objectaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates a third shading object according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of a third shading object according toan embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a shading object including alouver system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 discloses a method of operation for a third shading objectaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A illustrates a fourth shading object according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a side view of a fourth shading object according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a fourth shading object according to anembodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of operating a fourth shading objectaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a block diagram of multiple componentswithin a shading object.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process to position ashading object in a shading element.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process to position ashading object in a shading element utilizing a global positioningsensor or receiver.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process to applypersonal settings to a shading object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. Forpurposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and/or configurationsare set forth, for example. However, it should be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art having benefit of this disclosure thatclaimed subject matter may be practiced without specific details. Inother instances, well-known features may be omitted and/or simplified soas not to obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features havebeen illustrated and/or described herein, many modifications,substitutions, changes and/or equivalents may occur to those skilled inthe art. It is, therefore, to be understood that appended claims areintended to cover any and all modifications and/or changes as fallwithin claimed subject matter.

References throughout this specification to one implementation, animplementation, one embodiment, an embodiment and/or the like means thata particular feature, structure, and/or characteristic described inconnection with a particular implementation and/or embodiment isincluded in at least one implementation and/or embodiment of claimedsubject matter. Thus, appearances of such phrases, for example, invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarilyintended to refer to the same implementation or to any one particularimplementation described. Furthermore, it is to be understood thatparticular features, structures, and/or characteristics described arecapable of being combined in various ways in one or more implementationsand, therefore, are within intended claim scope, for example. Ingeneral, of course, these and other issues vary with context. Therefore,particular context of description and/or usage provides helpful guidanceregarding inferences to be drawn.

With advances in technology, it has become more typical to employdistributed computing approaches in which portions of a problem, such assignal processing of signal samples, for example, may be allocated amongcomputing devices, including one or more clients and/or one or moreservers, via a computing and/or communications network, for example. Anetwork may comprise two or more network devices and/or may couplenetwork devices so that signal communications, such as in the form ofsignal packets and/or frames (e.g., comprising one or more signalsamples), for example, may be exchanged, such as between a server and aclient device and/or other types of devices, including between wirelessdevices coupled via a wireless network, for example.

A network may comprise two or more network devices and/or may couplenetwork devices so that signal communications, such as in the form ofsignal packets, for example, may be exchanged, such as between a serverand a client device and/or other types of devices, including betweenwireless devices coupled via a wireless network, for example.

In this context, the term network device refers to any device capable ofcommunicating via and/or as part of a network and may comprise acomputing device. While network devices may be capable of sending and/orreceiving signals (e.g., signal packets and/or frames), such as via awired and/or wireless network, they may also be capable of performingarithmetic and/or logic operations, processing and/or storing signals(e.g., signal samples), such as in memory as physical memory states,and/or may, for example, operate as a server in various embodiments.Network devices capable of operating as a server, or otherwise, mayinclude, as examples, dedicated rack-mounted servers, desktop computers,laptop computers, set top boxes, tablets, netbooks, smart phones,wearable devices, integrated devices combining two or more features ofthe foregoing devices, the like or any combination thereof. Asmentioned, signal packets and/or frames, for example, may be exchanged,such as between a server and a client device and/or other types ofnetwork devices, including between wireless devices coupled via awireless network, for example. It is noted that the terms, server,server device, server computing device, server computing platform and/orsimilar terms are used interchangeably. Similarly, the terms client,client device, client computing device, client computing platform and/orsimilar terms are also used interchangeably. While in some instances,for ease of description, these terms may be used in the singular, suchas by referring to a “client device” or a “server device,” thedescription is intended to encompass one or more client devices and/orone or more server devices, as appropriate. Along similar lines,references to a “database” are understood to mean, one or more databasesand/or portions thereof, as appropriate.

It should be understood that for ease of description a network device(also referred to as a networking device) may be embodied and/ordescribed in terms of a computing device. However, it should further beunderstood that this description should in no way be construed thatclaimed subject matter is limited to one embodiment, such as a computingdevice or a network device, and, instead, may be embodied as a varietyof devices or combinations thereof, including, for example, one or moreillustrative examples.

Operations and/or processing, such as in association with networks, suchas computing and/or communications networks, for example, may involvephysical manipulations of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, these quantities may take the form of electrical and/ormagnetic signals capable of, for example, being stored, transferred,combined, processed, compared and/or otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient, at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols,characters, terms, numbers, numerals and/or the like. It should beunderstood, however, that all of these and/or similar terms are to beassociated with appropriate physical quantities and are intended tomerely be convenient labels.

Likewise, in this context, the terms “coupled”, “connected,” and/orsimilar terms are used generically. It should be understood that theseterms are not intended as synonyms. Rather, “connected” is usedgenerically to indicate that two or more components, for example, are indirect physical, including electrical, contact; while, “coupled” is usedgenerically to mean that two or more components are potentially indirect physical, including electrical, contact; however, “coupled” isalso used generically to also mean that two or more components are notnecessarily in direct contact, but nonetheless are able to co-operateand/or interact. The term coupled is also understood generically to meanindirectly connected, for example, in an appropriate context. In acontext of this application, if signals, instructions, and/or commandsare transmitted from one component (e.g., a controller or processor) toanother component (or assembly), it is understood that signals,instructions, and/or commands may be transmitted directly to acomponent, or may pass through a number of other components on a way toa destination component. For example, a signal transmitted from acontroller or processor to a motor may pass through glue logic, anamplifier, and/or an interface. Similarly, a signal transmitted throughan cooling system may pass through an air conditioning module, and asignal transmitted from a sensor to a controller or processor may passthrough a conditioning module, an analog-to-digital controller, and/or acomparison module.

The terms, “and”, “or”, “and/or” and/or similar terms, as used herein,include a variety of meanings that also are expected to depend at leastin part upon the particular context in which such terms are used.Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, isintended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as wellas A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term“one or more” and/or similar terms is used to describe any feature,structure, and/or characteristic in the singular and/or is also used todescribe a plurality and/or some other combination of features,structures and/or characteristics. Likewise, the term “based on” and/orsimilar terms are understood as not necessarily intending to convey anexclusive set of factors, but to allow for existence of additionalfactors not necessarily expressly described. Of course, for all of theforegoing, particular context of description and/or usage provideshelpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn. It should be notedthat the following description merely provides one or more illustrativeexamples and claimed subject matter is not limited to these one or moreillustrative examples; however, again, particular context of descriptionand/or usage provides helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn.

A network may also include now known, and/or to be later developedarrangements, derivatives, and/or improvements, including, for example,past, present and/or future mass storage, such as network attachedstorage (NAS), a storage area network (SAN), and/or other forms ofcomputing and/or device readable media, for example. A network mayinclude a portion of the Internet, one or more local area networks(LANs), one or more wide area networks (WANs), wire-line typeconnections, wireless type connections, other connections, or anycombination thereof. Thus, a network may be worldwide in scope and/orextent.

The Internet refers to a decentralized global network of interoperablenetworks that comply with the Internet Protocol (IP). It is noted thatthere are several versions of the Internet Protocol. Here, the termInternet Protocol, IP, and/or similar terms, is intended to refer to anyversion, now known and/or later developed of the Internet Protocol. TheInternet includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs),wireless networks, and/or long haul public networks that, for example,may allow signal packets and/or frames to be communicated between LANs.The term World Wide Web (WWW or Web) and/or similar terms may also beused, although it refers to a part of the Internet that complies withthe Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). For example, network devices mayengage in an HTTP session through an exchange of appropriatelycompatible and/or compliant signal packets and/or frames. It is notedthat there are several versions of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol.Here, the term Hypertext Transfer Protocol, HTTP, and/or similar termsis intended to refer to any version, now known and/or later developed.It is likewise noted that in various places in this documentsubstitution of the term Internet with the term World Wide Web (Web′)may be made without a significant departure in meaning and may,therefore, not be inappropriate in that the statement would remaincorrect with such a substitution.

Although claimed subject matter is not in particular limited in scope tothe Internet and/or to the Web; nonetheless, the Internet and/or the Webmay without limitation provide a useful example of an embodiment atleast for purposes of illustration. As indicated, the Internet and/orthe Web may comprise a worldwide system of interoperable networks,including interoperable devices within those networks. The Internetand/or Web has evolved to a public, self-sustaining facility that may beaccessible to tens of millions of people or more worldwide. Also, in anembodiment, and as mentioned above, the terms “WWW” and/or “Web” referto a part of the Internet that complies with the Hypertext TransferProtocol. The Internet and/or the Web, therefore, in this context, maycomprise an service that organizes stored content, such as, for example,text, images, video, etc., through the use of hypermedia, for example. AHyperText Markup Language (“HTML”), for example, may be utilized tospecify content and/or to specify a format for hypermedia type content,such as in the form of a file and/or an “electronic document,” such as aWeb page, for example. An Extensible Markup Language (“XML”) may also beutilized to specify content and/or format of hypermedia type content,such as in the form of a file or an “electronic document,” such as a Webpage, in an embodiment. Of course, HTML and/or XML are merely examplelanguages provided as illustrations. Furthermore, HTML and/or XML(and/or similar terms) is intended to refer to any version, now knownand/or later developed of these languages. Likewise, claimed subjectmatter is not intended to be limited to examples provided asillustrations, of course.

Also as used herein, one or more parameters may be descriptive of acollection of signal samples, such as one or more electronic documents,and exist in the form of physical signals and/or physical states, suchas memory states. For example, one or more parameters, such as referringto an electronic document comprising an image, may include parameters,such as time of day at which an image was captured, latitude andlongitude of an image capture device, such as a camera, for example,etc. In another example, one or more parameters relevant to content,such as content comprising a technical article, may include one or moreauthors, for example. Claimed subject matter is intended to embracemeaningful, descriptive parameters in any format, so long as the one ormore parameters comprise physical signals and/or states, which mayinclude, as parameter examples, name of the collection of signals and/orstates (e.g., file identifier name), technique of creation of anelectronic document, purpose of an electronic document, time and date ofcreation of an electronic document, logical path of an electronicdocument (or portion thereof), encoding formats and/or standards usedfor encoding an electronic document, and so forth.

Some portions of the detailed description which follow are presented interms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binarydigital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus orspecial purpose computing device or platform. In the context of thisparticular specification, the term specific apparatus or the likeincludes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to performparticular functions pursuant to instructions from program software.Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples oftechniques used by those of ordinary skill in the signal processing orrelated arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled inthe art. An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processingleading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processinginvolve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically,although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form ofelectrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred,combined, compared or otherwise manipulated.

It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of commonusage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. It should beunderstood, however, that all of these or similar terms are to beassociated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computeror a similar special purpose electronic computing device. In the contextof this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or asimilar special purpose electronic computing device is capable ofmanipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physicalelectronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or otherinformation storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices ofthe special purpose computer or similar special purpose electroniccomputing device.

In an embodiment, a controller typically performs a series ofinstructions resulting in data manipulation. In an embodiment, amicrocontroller may be a compact microcomputer designed to govern theoperation of embedded systems in motor vehicles, robots, officemachines, complex medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vendingmachines, home appliances, and various other devices. In an embodiment,a microcontroller may include a processor, a, and/or peripherals. In anembodiment, a controller may be a commercially available processor suchas an Intel Pentium, Motorola PowerPC, SGI MIPS, Sun UltraSPARC, orHewlett-Packard PA-RISC processor, but may be any type ofapplication-specific and/or specifically designed processor orcontroller as many other processors and/or controllers are available. Inan embodiment, a controller may be connected to other system elements,including one or more memory devices, by a bus. Usually, a processor orcontroller, may execute an operating system which may be, for example, aWindows-based operating system (e.g., Windows NT, Windows 2000 (WindowsME), Windows XP operating systems) available from the MicrosoftCorporation, a MAC OS System X operating system available from AppleComputer, one of many Linux-based operating system distributions (e.g.,the Enterprise Linux operating system available from Red Hat Inc.), aSolaris operating system available from Sun Microsystems, or a UNIXoperating systems available from various sources. Many other operatingsystems may be used, and embodiments are not limited to any particularimplementation.

The specification may refer to a shading object as an apparatus thatprovides shade to a user from weather elements. The apparatus may alsobe referred to as a parasol, umbrella, sun shade, outdoor shadefurniture, sun screen, sun shelter, awning, sun cover, sun marquee,brolly and other similar names, which may all be utilizedinterchangeably in this application. The shading objects describedherein include many novel and non-obvious features. The shading objectseach comprise a plurality of shading elements. The shading elements maybe addressed and/or moved as a group and may be addressed and/or movedseparately. Other prior art shade screens or umbrellas are normallycomprised of one shading elements.

FIG. 1A illustrates a shading object according to an embodiment. Theshading object 100 includes a base unit 105, a central support frame110, and a plurality of shading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124. In anexample embodiment, a base unit 105 may comprise a power cord forconnection to an external power source 241 (shown in FIG. 2), forexample, an alternating current (AC) power outlet.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a shading object according toan embodiment. In an example embodiment, a base unit 205 comprises amotor 225, a controller 222, a power supply 240 and a rotation apparatus150. In an example embodiment, an external power source 241 may providepower to the power supply 240 through a power cord. In another exampleembodiment, a power source may be a battery may provide backup power fora power supply 240. Continuing with an illustrative embodiment, a powersupply 240 may provide power, at different voltage and/or currentlevels, to a motor 225, a controller 222 and/or a rotation apparatus226.

In an illustrative embodiment, a base unit 105 may comprise weightcompartments 155. In an embodiment, weight compartments 155 may includeweights to provide stability for a shading object. For example, one ormore weights may be placed into weight compartments 155 to stabilize theshading object 100. By having removable weights, moving the shadingobject is easier, which increases a shading object's portability. In anexample embodiment, weights may be easily removed from the weightcompartments and retrieved once weights are needed again to stabilize ashading object. In an example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, oneweight compartment 155 is illustrated, but a plurality of weightcompartments (and removable weights) may be present in a base unit 105.

In an example embodiment, a support frame 110 may be curved, as isillustrated in FIG. 1A. As is illustrated in FIG. 1A, in an embodiment,a support frame 110 may be connected to a top surface of the base unit105 via a connection element. In an embodiment, a connection element maybe an adhesive (glue, other adhesive materials) or a fastener (includingbut not limited to screws, nails, nuts and bolts, hinges). In anembodiment, a support frame 110 may comprise a second actuator/motor160, a second controller 165, shading element storage space 170 and adeployment/retraction apparatus 175. In an example embodiment, a secondactuator may be a motor that is responsible for moving or controlling amechanism or system. An actuator or motor (e.g., second motor 160 ormotor 225) may be operated by a source of energy, such as electriccurrent, fluid or pneumatic pressure that is converted in mechanicalenergy. A linear actuator may be ballscrew actuators, rack and pinionactuators, belt driven actuators, linear motor driver actuators. In anexample embodiment, a process may be automated, and a controller may beconnected to an actuator, where a controller receives input and providesan output to an actuator to adjust a mechanical aspect of the shadingobject. In an example embodiment, a motor may any type of motor,including but not limited to: combustion, AC, DC, brushless, servo,stepper or gear motor. In an embodiment, motors 160 or 225 may also beconnected to one or more controllers 222 or 165 that can actuatemovement of the shading object. In an example embodiment, a controller222 may connected to a linear actuator or motor 160 or 225 wirelessly aslong as a control signal may be received by a shading object.

In an embodiment, there are other methods or devices for providinglinear and/or rotation movement in the support frame. The support frame110, and its position relative to the base unit 105, may be adjusted byuser of a rack and pinion, worm gear, barrel cam, or any other form ofgeneral motion, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the shading object may comprise a storagespace 170 that may be located inside the support frame 110. In anexample embodiment, the support frame 110 may include an opening at atop surface of the support frame 110. In an example embodiment, forexample, when the shading elements are not deployed, the plurality ofshading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124 may be resident within astorage space 170. Continuing with an illustrative embodiment, a storagespace 170 may comprise channels to provide a structure in an interiorportion into which one or more shading elements 120 121 122 123 and/or124 may be received and/or stored. In alternative embodiments, otherstorage mechanisms may be utilized to provide a structure to housenon-deployed shading elements 120 121 122 123 and/or 124.

In an example embodiment, a controller 165 may generate commands,instructions, and/or signals to deploy one or more of a plurality ofshading objects 120 121 122 123 and 124. In an embodiment, a motor oractuator 160 may receive a command, instruction, and/or signal, and maygenerate signals to cause a deployment mechanism 175 to deploy one ormore shading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124. In an embodiment, thedeployment mechanism 175 deploys one or more of the shading elements 120121 122 123 124 to a deployed or “providing shade” position from thestorage space 170. In an example embodiment, a deployment mechanism 175may comprise a motor 160 to project or deploy one or more of the shadingelements. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a deployment mechanism or apparatus175 may deploy one or more of the plurality of shading units 120 121 122123 and/or 124 in an outwardly direction, as is illustrated by referencenumber 126 in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B illustrates a shading object comprisingdeployed shading objects according to an embodiment.

In an example embodiment, a deployment mechanism 175 may select and/ordeploy only one shading element, multiple shading elements, or most ofshading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124. In other words, any of aplurality of shading elements may be independently selectable.Continuing with an illustrative embodiment, because the shading elements120 121 122 123 and 124 are independently selectable, single shadingelements may be deployed at a different time, in a different direction,and/or may be deployed partially or fully. In an example embodiment, adeployment mechanism 175 may only deploy the first, third and fifthshading elements. In an example embodiment, a deployment mechanism 175may deploy one or more of the shading elements a certain distance andnot have the shading element extended to a full deployment. This isillustrated in FIG. 1B where shading elements 121 and 123 are deployedout more than shading elements 120 122 and 124. In another exampleembodiment, a deployment mechanism 175 may not deploy the shadingelements in a uniform fashion, for example, where there is one surfacethat is providing shade to the user (like there is for an umbrella). Inthe example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, for example, a deploymentmechanism may deploy one of the shading elements at a 15-45 degree rangehorizontally from the center frame (shading element 124) and may deployone or more of the shading elements at a different height verticallyfrom one or more of the shading elements (e.g., for example shadingelement 120 versus shading element 123).

Further, in an example embodiment, one or more of a plurality of shadingelements may have a different length and/or width as compared to othershading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124. In another example embodiment,one or more of the plurality of shading elements may have a differentgeometric shape as compared to other shading elements. By having avariety of shading element widths, lengths and/or shapes, an intelligentshading system may be able to provide cover, shade, and/or protectionfrom the elements to many different areas that have unique dimensionsand/or spacing. For example, a variety of shading element width, lengthand/or shapes may allow for the shading element to provide shade to acorner, irregularly shaped area, and/or non-uniform shaped area that aless flexible shading system is not equipped to address.

In an embodiment, a plurality of shading elements may be composed ofmaterials such as plastics, plastic composites, fabric, metals, woods,composites, or any combination thereof. In an example embodiment, theplurality of shading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124 may be made of aflexible material. In an alternative example embodiment, the pluralityof shading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124 may be made of a stiffermaterial.

In an example embodiment, each or some of the plurality of shadingelements 120 121 122 123 and 124 may also have an array of photocells180 disposed on its surface. In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A, a photocell array 180 may be disposed on or attached to a topsurface of one or more of the plurality of shading elements 120 121 122123 and 124. In an embodiment, solar photovoltaic cells (photocells) 180may be exposed to sunlight and photon particles in the sunlight maycause a photocell to generate electrical energy, which then istransferred to a power collection unit 260 for storage and laterutilization. In embodiments of the invention, the solar energycollection unit 260 may generate enough power to provide voltage andcurrent to other components within the intelligent shading object. In anembodiment, a solar energy collection unit 260 may be coupled to a powerunit or supply 270, which may include a battery. In an embodiment, apower unit 270 may be the power source for the entire shading object andin an example embodiment, no external power source may be needed for theintelligent shading object. In an alternative embodiment, an externalpower supply, such as power source 241 may also or solely supply powerto an intelligent shading object.

As is illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 1A, a deploymentmechanism 175 may deploy a plurality of shading elements 120 121 122 123124 in a tree-branch like manner. Illustratively, as is shown in FIG.1A, a deployment mechanism 175 may deploy shading element 120 at a firstlevel which is the highest vertical level, shading element 121 at asecond level slightly offset and to a right orientation of shadingelement 120. Continuing with an embodiment, shading element 122 may bedeployed at a lower vertical level compared to shading element 120, butat a higher vertical level and not overlapping with shading element 121.Similarly, in this embodiment, a deployment mechanism may deploy shadingelements 123 and 124 at lower vertical levels as compared to shadingelement 120. Portions of shading elements 120 121 and 122 may overlapdifferent portions of shading elements 123 and 124.

FIG. 1C illustrates a deployment of shading elements according to anembodiment. In this embodiment, as compared the FIG. 1B, shadingelements 120 121 122 123 and 124 are not deployed as far in an outwarddirection as in FIG. 1B. In an illustrative embodiment, a shadingelement may thus provide shade and/or protection to an area closer to acentral support unit 110 and shading object than when deployed in a moreoutwardly fashion. In an embodiment, element rods 127 may connect orcouple deployment mechanism 175 to the plurality of shading elements 120121 122 123 and 124.

In an example embodiment, the shading object 100 central support unit110 may also include a light sensor 185. In an embodiment, a lightsensor 185 may be integrated into a central support unit 110 or may bedisposed on a surface of a central support unit 110. In an embodiment, alight sensor 185 may detect a direction having the highest light energyand may determine that the solar light source is coming from a specificdirection. In an embodiment, a light sensor may be implemented as asingle light sensor or may comprise multiple light sensors arranged in afashion to collect light from different directions. In an exampleembodiment, a light sensor 185 may identify that a sun (or a lightsource) is directly overhead or a sun may be located at an angle of 45degrees from directly overhead. In this example embodiment, a lightsensor 185 may transmit this information (via an electrical signal) to afirst controller 222. In an embodiment, a first controller 222 mayreceive a transmitted signal and generate instructions, signals and/orcommands to, for example, a motor 225 and then to a rotation unit 150 tocause a base unit 205 to rotate in a direction to adjust shadingelements to provide maximum shade for a user. In an example embodiment,if a light source (e.g., a sun) is at a 30 degree angle to the left ofthe center, then a rotation unit 150 may rotates an interior section ofthe base unit 205 counterclockwise to cause the support unit 110, andthus the plurality of shading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124 to moveto a location to provide shade or protection from the sun or otherweather elements. In an embodiment, a first rotation unit 150 may belocated in an interior portion of a base unit 105. In this exampleembodiment, an interior portion of a base unit 105 may rotate, whereasan exterior portion of the base unit 105 may be fixed and not rotate. Asillustrated In FIG. 1A, an interior portion 196 may rotates in either aclockwise or counterclockwise direction, whereas exterior portion 197 isstationary. The interior portion 196 of the base unit may coupled to oneend of support unit 110.

In an example embodiment, the support unit 110 may comprise a lightand/or image projector 190 (reference number 290 in FIG. 2). Lightand/or image projector may project light and/or images onto a surface ofone or more of a plurality of shading elements 120 121 122 123 and 124.Illustratively, in an embodiment, a surface may be a top surface or abottom surface of a shading element.

In an example embodiment, a support unit 110 (e.g., 210 in FIG. 2) maycomprise an audio transceiver 292 and/or speakers 294. An audio device,such as an iPhone, a digital music player, or the like, may beelectronically coupled to the audio transceiver 292 and transmit and/orreceive audio signals from the audio device. In an embodiment, an audiotransceiver 292 may receive audio signals and transfer audio signals tothe speakers 294 so that speakers may reproduce and play sound forshading object users to hear. In an embodiment, audio signals may betransmitted wirelessly between the audio device and the audiotransceiver 292, and/or the audio receiver 292 and the speaker 294.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of deploying a shading object according toan embodiment. In an example embodiment, a base system 205 and a supportunit 210 may be connected or positioned together and placed 305 in anupright position. In an example embodiment, weights may be added 310 toweight compartments in a base unit 205 in order to provide stability forthe shading object 200. In an embodiment, a plurality of shadingelements may be stored 315, when the one or more shading elements arenot deployed (or are in a retracted position), in a storage area of thesupport unit 210. Upon receiving instructions from a controller 235, adeployment mechanism may deploy 320 one or more of the plurality ofshading elements into a shade or cover position. As noted previously,shading elements do not have to be deployed as a group and may bedeployed individually. In an embodiment, after shading object andassociated shading elements are no longer needed, a controller mayreceive a command and a deployment mechanism may retract 325 any of theplurality of shading elements that were previously deployed.

FIG. 3 also illustrates additional features of an intelligent shadingobject. In embodiments, a shading object may include a sunlight sensor.A sunlight sensor may detect 330 an intensity and/or direction of lightfrom a light source (e.g., sun) and generate a signal that istransmitted to a controller 222 in a base unit 205. The signal mayidentify that sunlight has been detected at a specific intensity and/orat an angle. In an embodiment, a base unit controller 222 may receive asignal and provide instructions, commands, and/or signals to a base unitrotation unit to rotate 335 an inner portion of a base unit (which isconnected to a support unit) in order to change an orientation ordirection of a support unit 205 (and thus a plurality of shadingelements).

In embodiments, a shading object may also include an illumination sourcethat can project light and/or videos onto surfaces of a shading object.In an example embodiment, a illumination source 290 may project 340light onto a surface of one or more of the shading elements.Alternatively, or in addition to, in an embodiment, an illuminationsource may project 345 an image and/or video onto surfaces of one ormore of a plurality of shading elements.

In an embodiment, a shading object 200 may include an audio systemincluding a wireless audio receiver 292 and speakers 294. In anembodiment, an audio system may receive 350 audio signals from anelectronic device that can wirelessly transmit audio signals. The audiosystem may cause the received audio signals to be played on speakers forlistening enjoyment of the shade object user.

In an example embodiment, the shading object may also include a windsensor. In an embodiment, a wind sensor may detect 355 that the windvelocity is greater than an acceptable value and send a signal to acontroller 222 in the support unit 205, which in response to a signal,may generate instructions, commands, and/or signals to transmit to adeployment mechanism to cause a deployment mechanism to retract 230 oneor more deployed plurality of shading elements. In an embodiment,retraction may be necessary so that the shading object may not bedamaged in high wind conditions and/or injure an individual residingunder the shading object

FIG. 4A illustrates a second shading object according to an exampleembodiment. In an embodiment, a shading object 400 illustrated in FIG. 4may comprise a base unit 410, a support unit 415, a rotation hubassembly 420, a control housing 425, a pivot assembly 430, a shadingelement frame 435, and/or a shading element 440 or shading elements.

In an example embodiment, a base unit 410 may be rectangular in shape.In alternative example embodiments, a base unit 410 may be circular,square, trapezoidal or any other shape that provides necessary stabilityfor a shading object. In an example embodiment, a base unit 410 mayinclude weight compartments 411 into which removable weights can beplaced and/or removed. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example, theweight compartments 411 may be rectangular in shape and there may befour, where the four weight compartments may be positioned around acentralized support unit 415. In an example embodiment, a base unit 410may be connected or coupled to an external power source, such as an ACpower source.

In an example embodiment, a support unit 415 may be comprised of asupport post 416 and/or a support rod/stem 417. In an embodiment, asupport post 416 may be rigid and connected to a central section of abase unit 410. Continuing with an embodiment, an end of a support post416 may be connected to a support rod/stem 417. In an embodiment, forexample, a support rod/stem 417 may be comprised of a plurality ofpieces. Continuing with an embodiment, a support rod/stem 417 may alsobe collapsible. In an embodiment where a support rod/stem 417 iscollapsible, a height of an intelligent shading object may beadjustable. In addition, a collapsibility of a support rod/stem 417provides for easily dismantling and/or storage of the shading object400.

In an embodiment, a rotational hub 420 may be connected to a supportrod/stem 417. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, a rotational hub420 may be connected a top portion of the support rod/stem 417. In anexample embodiment, a rotational hub 420 may be comprised of a housing,bearings, and a controller/motor. Continuing with an example embodiment,a rotational hub 420 may be comprised of any assembly allowing circularmovement in a horizontal plane. In an example embodiment, a rotationalhub 420 may be connected to a control housing 425. Continuing with anexample embodiment, a control housing 425 may be connected to a pivotassembly 430, which in turn may be connected to a shading elementsupport frame 435, to which a shading element (or shading elements) 440may be attached. In an embodiment, a pivot assembly 430 may be connectedto a plurality of shading element frames to which shading elements maybe attached. In an embodiment, a control housing 425 may rotate 360degrees, a shading element 440 (or shading elements) may also rotate 360degrees, and thus may be able to track a light source (e.g., a sun). Inan example embodiment, if a rotational hub 420 rotates in firstdirection, a shading element frame 435, and/or a shading element 440 mayrotate in the corresponding first direction because of a connectionand/or coupling of a rotational hub 420 to a control housing 425 and/ora pivot assembly 430.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 5, arotational hub 420 and/or a control housing 425 may comprise a trackingsensor (or sunlight sensors) 421, a first controller 422, and a firstmotor 423. In an example embodiment, a tracking sensor (or sensors) 421may be capture light intensity from a light source, which causestracking sensors 421 to generate a signal indicative of a directionand/or intensity of light. In an embodiment, a tracking sensor 421 maybe coupled to a first controller or processor 422 and generated signalsmay be transferred to a controller or processor 422. In an exampleembodiment, the controller or processor 422 may receive the generatedsignal, process the signal to identify an intensity and/or direction ofsunlight, and transmit a signal and/or a command directly or indirectlyto a first motor 423 to cause the rotational hub 420 to rotate in adirection that tracks a light source, such as a sun. This may result ina shading element 440 rotating in a direction to track a sun.Illustratively, rotation of the rotational hub 420 causes a controlhousing 425, a pivot unit 430, a shading element frame 435 and/or ashading element 440 to move in the corresponding clockwise orcounterclockwise direction about a central axis.

In an example embodiment, a housing unit 425 may comprise a controlpanel 426, speaker(s) 427, a power source 428, a second controller orprocessor 429 and a second motor 432. In an embodiment, a control panel426 may allow a user to control operation of a shading object 400. In anexample embodiment, a wireless transceiver 433 may receive transmittedaudio signals from a computing device. Continuing with an embodiment, awireless transceiver may be coupled to speaker(s) 427 and may transmitthe audio signals to the speakers 427 to cause sound to be produced orplayed. In an example embodiment, a pivot assembly 430 may include awireless transceiver 433 and speaker(s) 427, and a wireless transceiver433 and speakers 427 may not be installed in the housing unit 425.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram on a second shading object accordingto an embodiment. In an example embodiment, a housing unit 420 may alsoinclude a wind sensor 434. As noted previously, a wind sensor 434 maymonitor wind conditions and transmit a signal to the controller orprocessor 429 indicative of wind conditions in the area or environmentin which the shading object is installed and/or located. The controlleror processor 429 may process a signal from the wind sensor and if asignal identifies wind conditions higher than a set threshold, acontroller or process 429 may generate a command to, directly orindirectly, instruct a pivot assembly 430 (with or without the motor432) to lower a shading element support frame 435 (and thus the shadingelement 440) to protect a shading element from being damages in athreatening wind condition. In another embodiment, a pivot assembly 430may include the controller (or processor) and/or a wind sensor 434,rather than a housing unit 425.

In embodiments, a housing unit 425 may include a light projector 436. Inan alternative embodiment, a pivot assembly 430 may include a lightprojector 436 rather than a housing unit. As discussed previously, in anexample embodiment, a projector 436 may transmit light and/or images tobe displayed and/or projected onto shading elements 440. In anembodiment, a controller or processor 429 may generate a signal and/orinstructions which are transmitted, directly or indirectly, to aprojector 436 to cause the light and/or images to be displayed on ashading element and/or a section of a shading object.

In an embodiment, an intelligent shading object may have a shadingelement frame 435 and/or a shading element 440 (or elements) moved to anumber of positions. In an example embodiment, a control panel 436 maycontrol movement of a shading element frame 435. In an exampleembodiment, a controller or processor 429 may receive a signal and/orcommands from control panel 426 (or another external source) identifyingan intended movement of a shading element support frame 435 (and thus ashading element (or shading elements)). In an embodiment, a controlleror processor 429 may generate and then transmit a signal and/or command,directly or indirectly, to a second motor 432. In an embodiment, asecond motor 432 may receive the signal from a controller and maygenerate a signal to control and/or direct movement of a pivot assembly430. In an example embodiment, a pivot assembly 430 may move inclockwise or counterclockwise direction and cause a shading elementframe 435 and thus a shading element 440 to move in an up and down, orvertical, direction.

In an example embodiment, a pivot assembly 430 may be coupled to acontrol housing 425 and a shading element frame 435. In embodiments, agearing system may couple a pivot assembly 430 to a control housing 425.In an illustrative embodiment, a shading element 440 may move from aposition where that is parallel to a support unit 415 (e.g., a restposition) to a position where a shading element 440 (or shadingelements) is perpendicular to a support unit 415, which may be referredto as an engaged or “shade” position.

In an example embodiment, a shading element frame 435 may comprise acounterweight assembly 445. For example, a counterweight assembly 445may offset the weight of a shading element and provide stability to ashading object 400.

In an example embodiment, the shading element may be of many differentshapes and sizes. Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 4A, a shading element440 may cover a portion and not the entirety of the shading elementframe 435. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, A shading element 440 includes anopening 446 where no there is no shading element portion. Thus, in anexample embodiment, a shading element 440 may cover a specific area. Forexample, in an embodiment, a shading element frame 435 may have a lengthand a width and the shading element 440 may cover the width and aportion of the length of the shading element frame 435.

In an example embodiment, a shading element 440 may comprise photocells413 on a top surface of a shading element 440. In an embodiment,photocells 413 may be exposed to sunlight and the photon particles maycause the photocells to generate electric energy. Electric energy isstored in an energy collection unit 414, which may comprise a memory. Inan embodiment, energy in energy collection unit 414 may transfer powerto a power unit or supply 428.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of operating a second shading objectaccording to an embodiment. In an example embodiment, a base unit 410may be deployed 605. Weights may be added 610 into a base unit 410 forstability of the shading object. In an embodiment, a support unit may bebuilt 615 to a desired height. In an example embodiment, a rotation unitmay be placed or inserted 620 into a support unit. In an embodiment, acontrol unit or assembly may be placed into or connected into a controlunit. Continuing with an embodiment, a pivot unit may be placed into,connected into, or integrated into a control unit. In an embodiment, ashading element may be fastened, connected or coupled to a pivot unit.In an embodiment, a controller or processor may receive a command andsend instructions to move a shading element frame to a shading position625 and accordingly move a shading element. In an embodiment, acontroller or processor may move 630 the shading element frame to a restposition in response to the controller receiving command.

In embodiments, the shading object may include a sunlight sensor. In anembodiment, a sunlight sensor may detect 631 an intensity and/ordirection of light from a sun and generate a signal that is transmittedto a controller or processor 422. In an embodiment, a signal mayidentify that sunlight has been detected at a specific angle and/orintensity. In an embodiment, a controller or processor 422 may receive asignal and provide instructions, directly or indirectly, to a rotationunit 420 to rotate 635 a control unit 425 (which is connected to thepivot assembly 430 and shading element frame 435) in order to change anorientation or direction of the shading element frame 435 (and thus ashading element 440 or shading elements).

In embodiments of the invention, a shading object may also include anillumination source that can project light and/or videos onto surfaces.In this example embodiment, the light projector 436 may project 640light onto a surface of one or more of a plurality of shading elements440. Alternatively, or in addition to, an illumination source 436 mayproject 645 an image and/or video onto surfaces of one or more of theplurality of shading elements 440.

In embodiments of the invention, a shading object 400 may include anaudio system including a wireless transceiver receiver 433 and/orspeakers 427. In embodiments, an audio system may receive 650 audiosignals from an electronic device that can wirelessly transmit audiosignals. In an embodiment, an audio system may cause received audiosignals to be played on speakers for listening enjoyment of anintelligent shading object user.

In an example embodiment, a shading object may also include a windsensor. In an embodiment, a wind sensor may detect 655 that a windvelocity is greater than an acceptable value and send a signal to acontroller or processor 429, which in response to signal may instruct,directly or indirectly, a motor 432 and/or pivot assembly 430 to changean orientation of a shading element(s) 440. The change in orientationmay be necessary so that an intelligent shading object 400 may not bedamaged in high wind conditions and/or injure an individual residingunder a shading object. FIG. 4B is a side view of a shading object witha deployed shading element according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates another shading object according to an embodiment.In an embodiment, a shading object 700 may include a base unit 710, oneor more support units 720 and 722, a louver system 760, and a pluralityof shading elements 732, 733 and 734. In an embodiment, one or moresupport units 720 and 722 may be connected or coupled to a base unit710. In embodiments, one or more support units 720 and 722 may be nextto each other in a closed position. In a closed position, a plurality ofshading elements 732 733 and 734 may be folded or bunched together andmay not provide coverage to individuals within a shading area. In anembodiment, If one or more two support units 720 and 722 are moved apartto an open and/or deployed position, a plurality of shading elements 732733 and 734 may expand to a deployed position and provide coverage tothe shading area. In an embodiment, a louver system 760 may allow anorientation of the shading element 732 733 or 734 to be modified (e.g.,change a shading element's vertical and/or horizontal orientation).

FIG. 7A illustrates a third shading object according to an embodiment.In an embodiment, a base unit 710 may include one or more weightcompartments, a first motor 711, a controller or processor 719, a firstrotation unit 712, a second motor 713, and a support deployment unit714. In an embodiment, a support deployment unit 714 may also referredto as a support structure deployment mechanism. Similarly, in anembodiment, a support or support unit may be referred to as a supportstructure. In an embodiment, a base unit 710 may also include a lightsource 717. In embodiments, a base unit 710 may include a first section716 that does rotate. Continuing with an embodiment, a first section 716may be circular in shape and may include an outer circumference. In anembodiment, a second section 718 may rotate in response to commands.Illustratively, in embodiments, a second section 718 may be locatedinside a first section 716 and a second section 718 may be circular inshape. In an embodiment, a first motor 711 may receive signals and/orcommands, directly or indirectly, from a controller or processor 719. Inan embodiment, a first motor 711 may cause a first rotation unit 712 torotate in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. Continuing withan embodiment, a rotation causes one or more support units 720 and 722to move in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. For example,in embodiments, a controller or processor may receive a signal from asunlight sensor 761 identifying a direction of sunlight and/or intensityof sunlight with respect to an orientation of shading elements. In anembodiment, a controller or processor 719 may send a signal and/orcommend, directly or indirectly, to a first motor 711 to cause arotation unit 712 to move a second section 718 and track a direction ofsunlight.

In an embodiment, a support deployment unit 714 may cause one or moresupport units 720 and 722 to move from a rest position (where one ormore support units 720 and 722 are in close proximity) to an “in use,”open or deployed position. In an embodiment, a second motor 713 may beconnected to a support deployment unit 714 and may drive a supportdeployment unit 714 from the rest to open position or vice-versa. In anembodiment, a controller or processor 719 may provide a signal and/orcomment, directly or indirectly, to a second motor 713 to instruct amotor to cause the support deployment to move from a rest position to anopen position. Alternatively, in an embodiment, a mechanical assembly,instead of a motor, may be utilized to move a support deployment unit714 from a rest position to an open position. In the illustrativeembodiment of FIG. 7A, support deployment unit 714 is shown in an openposition.

In embodiments, one or more support units 720 and 722 may be permanentlyconnected to a base unit 710. Alternatively, in an embodiment, one ormore support units 720 and 722 may be detachable from a base unit 710and may be inserted into support holders in a base unit 710. Inembodiments, support units 720 and 722 may include a louver system 760,or be connected and/or coupled to a louver system.

In an embodiment, a louver system 760 may be activated eithermechanically or electrically. If activated mechanically, rope or stringsor similar material may allow manual repositioning of shading elements732 733 and 734. In an embodiment, a louver system 760 may include pivothinges 765 located in pairs on opposite sides of shading element supportframes 720 and 722. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, one or more support units720 and 722 may have three pivot hinges 765 located at a same height onone or more support units 720 and 722. In an embodiment, pivot hinges765 may be connected to a driving/deployment/movement unit 766. In anembodiment, a driving unit 766 may be electrical or mechanical.Continuing with an embodiment, a driving unit 766 may be located orintegrated into one or more support units 720 and 722. Alternatively, adriving unit 766 may be located or integrated into a base unit 710. If adriving unit is mechanical, a string or rope may connect a driving unit766 to pivot hinges 765. If a driving unit 766 is electrical, a cablemay connect a driving unit 766 to pivot hinges 765. In an embodiment, ashading element may be connected between a pairs of pivot hinges 765. Inan embodiment, a driving unit 766 may cause a shading element to rotatein a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about an axis. Continuingwith an embodiment, a driving unit 766 may be able to cause individualshading elements to rotate rather than having a number or most ofshading elements 732 733 and 734 rotate. Alternatively, in anembodiment, a driving unit 766 may move a plurality of shading elementsto move in unison. Illustratively, in FIG. 7A, in an embodiment, aplurality of the shading elements 732 733 and 734 may have moved inunison to a position that is between 90 degrees and 135 degreescounterclockwise from an axis 768. In an embodiment, a front of shadingelements 732 733 and 734 are higher than the back of shading elements.In an embodiment, light source, e.g., a sun, may be directly overhead orbehind a center of the shading object 800 and thus more of a shadingelement is provided to provide cover for the shading area.

In an embodiment, a top surface of shading elements 732 733 and 734 mayhave photo cells 741 disposed thereon. In an embodiment, photocells 741may capture sunlight and may store energy in a solar energy connectionunit 742. In an embodiment, a solar energy connection unit 742 mayprovide power to any of the power sources or electronic components of ashading object 800. In an embodiment, only a top shading element, e.g.,732, may have photocells 741 disposed thereon. In an embodiment, ashading object 800 may also include a light sensor 761. In embodiments,a light sensor 761 may detect a direction and/or intensity of thesunlight. Continuing with an embodiment, a light sensor 761 may beconnected to a controller or processor 719 in a base unit 710. In anembodiment, a light sensor 761 may send a signal, directly orindirectly, to a controller in a base unit 710 instructing a controlleror processor 719. In an embodiment, a controller or processor 770 mayreceive the signal and directly or indirectly cause a first motor 711 todrive a rotation unit 712 and cause one or more support units 720 and722 (and thus the shading elements 732 733 and 734) to move in a desiredclockwise and counterclockwise direction.

In an embodiment, At least one of shading elements 732 733 or 734 maycomprise a wind sensor 755. Alternatively, in an embodiment, one of aplurality support units 720 or 722 may comprise a wind sensor 755. In anembodiment, a wind sensor 755 may capture a direction and/or velocity ofwind in the environment where a shading object is installed. Inembodiments, a wind sensor 755 may be coupled to a controller orprocessor 719. In an embodiment, a wind sensor 755 may transmits asignal to a controller or processor 719. If a captured velocity is overa threshold value, e.g., 10 miles per hour, a controller or processor719 may cause shading elements 731 732 or 733 to move to a position thatis not impacted by the wind. In embodiments, a controller or processor719 may transmit a command to a support unit deployment apparatus 714 tocause one or more support units 720 and 722 to move a rest positionwhere the shading elements 731 732 and 733 are folded and not impactedby the wind.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a shading object including alouver system according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, a shadingobject may also comprise a transceiver 780, a light projector 785,and/or a speaker 790. In an embodiment, a transceiver 780 may receiveeither signals representing video information and/or signalsrepresenting audio information. Continuing with an embodiment, atransceiver 780 may receive these signals via a wired or wirelessconnection. In an embodiment, a transceiver may receive the videoinformation and may transit the information to a light projector 785,which may project representative video information onto one or more ofshading elements 732 733 or 734. In an embodiment, a light projector 785may transmit light and/or video onto surfaces of one or more shadingelements 732 733 or 734. In an embodiment, a transceiver 780 may receiveaudio information and may transmit received audio information tospeakers 790 for playback.

FIG. 9 discloses a method of operation for a third embodiment of ashading object according to an embodiment. In step 905, a base unit isdeployed. In step 910, in embodiments, a base unit may have weightsadded into compartments of a base unit. In step 915, in an embodiment,detachable support units are placed into holders in the base unit. Instep 920, in an embodiment, a controller or processor may receive acommand and one or more support units may move from a rest position to ashading or deployed position. In step 925, in embodiments, a controlleror processor may receive a command and move support units from a shadingposition to a rest position.

In embodiments, in step 930, a sunlight sensor may detect an intensityand/or direction of sunlight. In step 935, a controller or processor mayreceive the signal from a sunlight sensor and may send a signal and/orcommands directly, or indirectly, to rotate a base unit (and thussupport units and shading elements) in a clockwise (or counterclockwise)direction to provide shade from a light source (e.g., the sun). Inembodiments, in step 940, a light projector may project light onto asurface of one or more shading elements. In embodiments, in step 945, aprojector may project an image and/or video onto one or more shadingelements. In embodiments, in step 950, an audio system may receive, viawireless communications, an audio signal from an electronic device andtransmit an audio signal to speakers for playing in and around theshading object. In embodiments, in step 955, a wind sensor detects windconditions and if the conditions are greater than a wind threshold, thenshading elements (and support units) may be moved to a rest positionfrom a shading position. FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of a thirdshading object according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10A illustrates a fourth embodiment of an intelligent shadingobject. In an embodiment, shading object 1000 may comprise a base unit1010, a support unit 1017, a telescope support housing 1025, a pluralityof telescoping rods 1030 1031 1032, and/or a shading element 1040. In anembodiment, an intelligent shading object may also include at least onephoto cell 1060 and/or a light sensor 1050.

In an embodiment, a base unit 1010 may include weight compartments 1011for housing weights to provide additional support to a base unit 1010,when a shading element 1040 is deployed. In an embodiment, weights maybe removable and may fit into weight compartments. In an embodiment, abase unit 1010 may also include a rotation unit 1015. In an embodiment,a rotation unit 1015 may be circular in shape and may be located in aninterior surface of the base unit 1010, as illustrated in FIG. 10A.

In an embodiment, a support unit 1017 may be connected or coupled to abase unit 1010. In embodiments, a support unit 1017 may be connected toa rotation unit 1015 of a base unit. In an embodiment, a rotation unit1015 may be configured to allow a support unit 1017 to rotate in aclockwise or counterclockwise direction to, for example, follow a lightsource, e.g., the sun, or to respond to a user's voice or digitalcommand. In embodiments, a support unit 1017 may comprise be coupled toa first pivot hub (not shown) and a second pivot hub 1019. In anembodiment, a first pivot hub may be configured to allow a support unit1017 to move in a vertical direction and, illustratively, fold against atop surface of a base unit 1010. This allows for easier storage and/ortransport of a shading object 1000. In an embodiment, a telescopingsupport housing 1025 may be coupled or connected to a support unit 1017.In embodiments, a telescoping support housing 1025 may be connected to asupport housing 1017 via a second pivot hub 1019. Illustratively, in anembodiment, a second pivot hub 1019 may be configured such that atelescoping support housing 1025 may rotate in a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction in order to move from a rest or non-useposition to a deployed or “in use” position, as is illustrated byreference arrow 1023 in FIG. 10A. In embodiments, a telescoping supporthousing 1025 may rotate about the second pivot hub 1019 to lie flatagainst a side of a support unit 1017 or inside a compartment of asupport unit 1017. This may allow a support unit 1017 and telescopingsupport housing 1025 to have a smaller footprint for easier storageand/or portability.

In embodiments, a telescoping support housing 1025 comprises adeployment mechanism 1027, a rod storage area 1028, and/or a pluralityof telescoping rods 1030 1031 and 1032. In embodiments, in a restposition, a plurality of telescoping rods 1030 1031 and 1032 are storedin the rod storage area 1028. Illustratively, in an embodiment, after acontroller or processor in telescoping support housing 1025 receives acommand to deploy a plurality of telescoping rods 1030 1031 and/or 1032(and thus the shading element 1040), a controller or processor mayprovide commands, and/or signals directly, or indirectly, to adeployment mechanism 1027. In an embodiment, a deployment mechanism maydeploy or push to an extended position, a plurality of telescoping rods1030 1031 and/or 1032. In an embodiment, a plurality of telescoping rods1030 1031 and/or 1032 may exit the telescoping support housing 1025 viaa top surface. In embodiments, telescoping support rods 1030 1031 and/or1032 may support a shading element 1040 in its deployment. Afterreceiving another command, telescoping support housing 1025 may retracta plurality of telescoping rods 1030 1031 and/or 1032, which causes ashading element 1040 to move to a folded position. In embodiments, atelescoping support housing 1025 may also include a storage area 1029for a shading element 1040. In embodiments, after telescoping rods 10301031 and/or 1032 have been retracted, a shading element 1040 may beremoved from ends of the plurality of telescoping rods 1030 1031 and/or1032 and placed in a storage area 1028 or another storage area. In otherembodiments, a storage area 1028 may be located in a base unit 1010, asupport unit 1017 and/or a telescoping support housing 1025.

In an embodiment, a shading element 1040 (or shading elements) may beshaped like an origami. In embodiments, a shading element 1040 (orshading elements) may have sections 1041 1042 and/or 1043 that take manyshapes, dependent on a number of panels in a shading element 1040 (orshading elements) and a number of telescoping rods 1030 1031 and/or 1032that are supporting a shading element 1040 (or shading elements). In anembodiment illustrated in FIG. 10A, shading element section 1041 mayhave a trapezoidal shape and shading elements sections 1042 and/or 1043may have a triangular shape. In an embodiment, shapes of shading elementsections 1041 1042 and/or 1043 may be determined based on a shading areato be covered by a shading element 1040 (or shading elements). Ends oftelescoping rods 1030 1031 and/or 1032 may be coupled or connected byfasteners to a surface of a shading element (e.g., such as an undersideof the shading element) or shading elements. In an embodiment, a shadingelement 1040 (or shading elements) may include a fabric membrane and aplurality of parts placed or located within the fabric membrane. Inembodiments of the invention, parts may be inserted into pockets of afabric membrane. Membrane parts may be made of a stiff material. Inembodiments, parts may be triangular or trapezoidal in shape. In anembodiment, Membrane parts, when deployed as a shading element 1040, mayform a structure with a top surface and a number of side surfaces. In anembodiment, a top surface of the shading element 1040 may includephotocells 1060. In an embodiment, multiple top surfaces of a shadingelement 1040 may include photocells 1060. In an embodiment, a topsurface or other surfaces of a shading element (or shading elements) mayinclude a wind sensor 1070. In an embodiment, a top surface of theshading element 1050 (or shading elements) may include a sunlight sensor1050. FIG. 10B is a side view of a fourth shading object according to anembodiment. In an embodiment, sections 1041 1042 1043 of shading element1040 may be independently addressed and therefor moved independently.This allows the shading object to be easily modifiable based on theshading rea. In an embodiment, a deployment mechanism may deploy therods 1030 1031 and/or 1032 at different lengths to provide a differentlyshaped shading element with various orientations of the shading sections1041 1042 and/or 1043. In addition, additional embodiments may includemore rods projecting from the telescoping rod support area 1025.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a fourth shading object according to anembodiment. In an embodiment, a sunlight sensor 1050 may measure anintensity of sunlight and may transmit a signal to a controller orprocessor 1080 in a base unit 1010. In an embodiment, controller orprocessor 1080 may analyze the received signal and instruct, directly orindirectly, a rotation unit 1015 to move a support unit 1017 in aclockwise or counterclockwise direction to follow a path of a lightsource (e.g., the sun). In an embodiment, a wind sensor 1070 may measurean intensity or velocity of wind in an environment around the shadingobject. In an embodiment, a wind sensor 1070 may transit a signal to acontroller or processor 1085 which may be resident in a support unit1017 and/or rod support housing 1025. In an embodiment, controller orprocessor 1085 may analyze a transmitted signal and may identify that avalue representing the wind speed is higher than a predetermined orexisting threshold. In an embodiment, If a value representing a windspeed is higher than a threshold, a controller or processor 1085 maysend a signal and/or commends to a deployment assembly 1027 to park orretract support rods 1030 1031 and/or 1032 and thus, a shading element1040 (or shading elements). In addition, a controller or processor 1085may transmit a signal or transmit commands directly, or indirectly, to apivot hinge or assembly 1019 to rotate a deployment housing 1025 in adirection that allows a surface of a deployment housing to rest againsta support unit 1017.

In an embodiment, a top surface of a shading element 1040 (or shadingelements) may have photo cells 1060 disposed thereon. In an embodiment,photocells 1060 may capture sunlight and may store energy in a solarenergy connection unit 1064. The solar energy connection unit 1064 mayprovide power to any power sources or electronic components of a shadingobject 1100. In an embodiment, only a top shading element, e.g., 1040,may have photocells 1060 disposed thereon.

In an embodiment, a shading object may also comprise a transceiver 1091,a light projector 1093, and/or a speaker 1092. In an embodiment, atransceiver 1091 may receive either signals representing videoinformation and/or signals representing audio information. Continuingwith an embodiment, a transceiver 1091 may receive these signals via awired or wireless connection. In an embodiment, a transceiver mayreceive the video information and may transit the information to thelight projector 1093, which may project the information onto one or moreof the shading element(s) 1040. In an embodiment, a light projector 1093may transmit light onto surfaces of one or more of the shadingelement(s) 1040. In an embodiment, a transceiver 1091 may receive audioinformation and may transmit the received audio information to speakers1092 for playback.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of operating a shading element according toan embodiment. At step 1205, in embodiments, a base unit is deployed. Inembodiments, at step 1210, weights are added to a base unit forstability. At step 1215, in embodiments, a command may be received, anda motor moves a support unit from a rest position to a deployedposition. At step 1220, in embodiments, a command may be received, and amotor moves a support rod housing unit from a rest position to adeployed position. At step 1225, in embodiments, a command may bereceived and a support rod deployment apparatus may deploy a support rodout of a top side of the support rod housing to a deployed position. Atstep 1227, in embodiments, deployment of the support rods causes ashading element to be opened or placed in a position to provide shade toa user of the shading object. At step 1230, in embodiments, a commandmay be received and support rods may be retracted into the support unithousing 1025, which causes a shading element to fold into a closeposition.

At step 1235, in embodiments, a shading object controller may receive asignal from a light sensor indicating intensity and direction ofsunlight. At step 1240, in embodiments, a command is sent to the motorand a base unit rotates (which rotates the support unit, the support rodhousing unit, and a shading element in a direction that provide shadefrom a sun or environment. At step 1245, in embodiments, a controller orprocessor, may receive a command, and light may be projected onto asurface of a shading element. Alternatively, or in addition to, imagesand videos may be projected onto a surface of a shading element. At step1250, in embodiments, wirelessly received audio signals may be receivedfrom an electronic device and may be played on speakers. At step 1255,in embodiments, wind may be detected by a wind sensor, and a wind sensormay transmit a signal to a controller or processor and a controller orprocessor may directly, or indirectly, transmit a signal to causeretraction of support rods/shading elements in response to wind

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a block diagram of multiple componentswithin a shading object. The shade object system 1300 includes userinterfaces such as a keypad 1302, a display 1304 (e.g., such as a LCDdisplay), and/or a touchscreen 1306. In an embodiment, user interfacesmay be part of a control panel which may be used to input instructionsto an intelligent shading object. For example, a user could use thetouchscreen to enter instructions or commands to cause a shading objectto open or deploy shading elements, play music, project light ontosurfaces, adjust shading elements to move shading area, provide mistingand/or fog in shading area, and other similar actions. In an embodiment,a touchscreen may be on a computing device (e.g., which may be personalcomputer, a laptop, a network computer, a tablet, and/or a smart phone).In an embodiment, a control panel (including one or more of the keypad1302, display 1304, and touchscreen 1306) may be mounted to a supportframe of the shading object or may be integrated into a remove controldevice that communicates with controllers or processors in anintelligent shading object 1300 via wireless or wired communicationprotocol.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a shading object system1300 may include a processor 1308, a clock 1301, a memory subsystem1307, and/or glue logic 1376. Glue logic 1376 may allow differentcomponents within an intelligent shading object system to interface witheach other. For example, glue logic 1376 may allow a processor 1308, amemory subsystem 1307 and/or a clock 1301 to interface with one another.In an embodiment, a processor 1308 interfaces with many components of anintelligent shading object 1300. As a non-limiting example, a processor1308 may directly, or indirectly, interface with a touch screen 1306, adisplay 1304, the keypad 1302, an audio amplifier 1380, a stepper motorinterfaces 1370, and a transceiver 1310 for receiving Global NavigationSatellite Systems, Blue Tooth and WiFi signals, a battery managementsystem 1336, as well as many other components.

In an embodiment, a memory subsystem 1307 may comprise memory such asFLASH ROM, RAM, and/or SDRAM. In an embodiment, FLASH ROM and/or SDRAMmay be utilized to store software and instructions, which whenexecutable by a processor or processors 1308 and/or controllers, maycause an intelligent shading object system to perform operations andreceive and/or transmit information. In an embodiment, FLASH ROM may beupdated with new software and/or instructions. In an embodiment, RAM orSDRAM of a memory subsystem 1037 may be utilized as memory that is usedby a processor 1308 to execute programs and perform software operations.In an embodiment, a clock 1301 may provide a timing reference for aprocessor 1308.

In an embodiment, a shading object system 1300 may also comprise atransceiver 1310 for receiving information from outside systems such asGlobal Positioning Satellites, Bluetooth-enabled computing devices,and/or WiFi-enabled computing devices. In an embodiment, a transceiver1310 may comprise an antenna 1311, a Bluetooth transceiver 1313, a GNSStransceiver 1312, and/or a WiFi transceiver 1314. In an embodiment, aGNSS transceiver 1312 may utilize the antenna 1311 to receive GPSsignals from GPS satellites and gather positioning information for anintelligent shading object system 1300. In an embodiment, positioninginformation may allow an intelligent shading object system to receiveweather (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind) information, and/or predictenvironmental information by receiving predictions from an almanacand/or other weather forecasting system. In an embodiment, positioninginformation may also allow a subsystem to understand potential intensityand strength of sun in the location where an intelligent shading objectresides. For example, if a positioning information indicates the shadingobject system 1300 is located in a Mojave Desert in California, thenpositioning information lets a shading object system may know anintensity of a sun is higher in a Mojave Desert than in a northernportion of Alaska.

In an embodiment, a Bluetooth transceiver 1313 may utilize an antenna1311 to receive and/or transmit signals and/or information to otherBluetooth-enabled devices. For example, in an embodiment, a user mayutilize a mobile phone with Bluetooth capabilities to control operationof an intelligent shading object system and/or to stream audio and/orvideo to an intelligent shading object system 1300 for playing viaspeakers 1381 and/or headphones 1382 (after passing through a processoror controller 1308 and an audio amplifier 1380). In addition, in anembodiment, a WiFi transceiver 1314 may utilize an antenna 1311 toreceive and/or transmit signals and/or information to other electronicdevices having WiFi capabilities. For example, a user may utilize amobile phone with WiFi capabilities to control operation of a shadingobject system and/or to stream audio and/or video to an intelligentshading object system 1300 for playing via speakers 1381 and/orheadphones 1382. In addition, a WiFi transceiver 1314 and/or Bluetoothtransceiver 1313 may be utilized to communicate with a light or videoprojector (not shown) (e.g., transmit video and/or audio signals to theprojection device) which may project video and/or light onto a pluralityof shading elements of a shading subsystem 1300. Communications with aspeaker 1381 and/or headphones 1382 and/or projector may occur after atransceiver 1310 has sent signals through a processor/controller 1308,and/or an amplifier 1380 (for audio signals).

In an embodiment, an intelligent shading object system 1300 may alsoinclude a power subsystem. In an embodiment, a power subsystem mayinclude an AC power adapter 1327, DC power devices 1328 (e.g., carchargers), solar photovoltaic panels 1330, a rechargeable battery 1335(such as a Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery (LIPO)), and a batterymanagement system 1336. In an embodiment, an AC power adapter 1327 mayreceive power from an AC power source 1326, which may also include afuse. In an embodiment, an AC power adapter may provide power to asystem power supply 1337 and/or battery 1335. Similarly, in anembodiment, a DC charger 1328 (which may include a fuse), may providevoltage and/or current to a system power supply 1337 and/or arechargeable battery 1335. In an embodiment, an overvoltage protectioncircuit 1329 may protect a system power supply 1337 and/or a battery1335 from overvoltage spikes in providing of voltage and current toother components in an intelligent shading object system.

In an embodiment, solar photovoltaic panels 1330 may provide voltage andcurrent to a system power supply 1337 and/or a rechargeable battery1337. In an illustrative embodiment, solar photovoltaic panels 1330 maybe coupled to an overvoltage protection module 1329 to protect a shadingobject system from overvoltage conditions. In addition, in anembodiment, solar photovoltaic panels 1330 may be coupled or connectedto a power storage system before transferring voltage to a system powersupply 1337 and/or a rechargeable battery 1135. In an embodiment, abattery management subsystem 1336 may provide DC power to a shadingobject system 1300. A battery management subsystem 1336 may include afuel gauge module 1337 to identify how much power is in a shading objectsystem 1300. This information may be provided to a processor 1308 andthen displayed on a LCD display 1304 and/or touch screen 1306. In anillustrative embodiment, a battery management system 1336 may alsoinclude a battery protection circuit 1339 to protect the battery fromovervoltage, overcurrent, undervoltage and/or undercurrent conditions.In an embodiment, a battery management system 1336 may also include abattery charger 1340, which may recharge a battery 1335. In anillustrative embodiment, an AC adapter 1327 may provide voltage andcurrent to a system power supply 1337. In an embodiment, a system powersupply 1337 may provide voltage and current to the components of theshading object system 1300. In addition, a system power supply 1337 mayprovide voltage and current to a battery charger 1340, which in turn mayprovide power to a rechargeable battery 1335.

In an embodiment, a shading object system may also include acommunications interface. The communications interface may include a USB2.0 or 3.0 device 1324 and a USB or other serial interface module 1325.In an illustrative embodiment, a USC 2.0 or 3.0 device 1324 and/or theserial interface module 1325 may communicate with a processor 1308and/or a battery management subsystem 1336.

In an embodiment, an intelligent shading object system may also includean analog signal conditioning subsystem. In an embodiment, anintelligent shading object system (and the analog signal conditioningsystem) may include a plurality of sensors 1320, reference signalmodules 1321, signal conditioning modules 1323 and an analog-to-digitalconverter 1322. In an embodiment, sensors 1320 may receive analogsignals and transmit the analog signals to signal conditioning modules1323 that are received and processed or conditioned by a signalconditioning modules 1323. In an embodiment, signals may be transmittedand/or transferred by signal conditioning modules 1323 and thentransferred to an A-to-D converter 1322. In an embodiment, a signalreference module 1321 may be a non-volatile memory that stores signalvalues that the received signal values may be compared to in order todetermine if threshold conditions are met. In an embodiment, this mayallow the shading object subsystem to understand if normal conditionsare being experienced, or if an intelligent shading object subsystem isin abnormal conditions, (e.g., high humidity, high movement, high wind,etc.)

In an embodiment, a plurality of sensors may also include a thermistor(for measuring wind speed in the shading object environment), a 3D gyroor tilt sensor (for measuring wind resistance in the shading objectenvironment), a 3D accelerometer sensor (for measuring wind resistanceand base stability), a humidity sensor (for measuring humidity in theshading object environment), a temperature sensor (for measuringtemperature in the shading object environment), and/or a light sensor(for measuring sun intensity and/or sun intensity direction).

In an embodiment, an intelligent shading object system 1300 may bemonitoring wind and other potentially dangerous weather conditions on aperiodic, continuous, or as directed basis. In an embodiment, athermistor, 3D gyro or tilt sensor, and/or 3D accelerometer sensor mayreceive readings and generate signals indicating an environmentincluding wind conditions where an intelligent shading object resides.In an embodiment, wind condition and other stability measurementsreceived via sensors may be conditioned by a signal conditioning module1323, compared to reference signals supplied by signal reference module1321, converted to digital signals by a A-to-D converter 1322 andtransferred to a controller or processor 1308. In an embodiment, aprocessor or controller 1308 may analyze the received wind condition orother measurements and may determine that a dangerous orout-of-tolerance condition is occurring. In an embodiment, a processor1308 may then transmit a signal to a stepper motor interface module 1370indicating that a shading object system should be placed in a rest orclosed position (e.g., in a position where shading elements are notdeployed). In an embodiment, a stepper motor interface module 1370 maytransmit a signal, command, and/or instructions to a shade parkingmechanism module 1351. In an embodiment, a shade parking mechanism 1351may cause the shading elements and/or other components of an intelligentshading system to be placed in a closed or rest position where thestability of the shading system is not an issue.

In an embodiment, a processor 1308 may instead determine that one ormore shading elements may be moved in a specific direction and/or placedin a specific orientation so as to avoid a dangerous or out-of-tolerancecondition. In an illustrative embodiment, a processor 1308 may transmita signal, command, and/or provide instructions to a stepper motorinterface 1370, which may communicate with a power amplifier 1371, whichmay transmit a signal to an azimuth stepper motor 1372. In anillustrative embodiment, an azimuth stepper motor 1372 may move ashading object system in a horizontal manner (in this case to moveshading elements (or other components of a shading object system) awayfrom a dangerous or out-of-tolerance weather condition).

In an embodiment, a shading object system may also include an additionalcontroller and/or an additional motor. In an embodiment, “processor” and“controller” may be used interchangeably. In an embodiment, a motor maybe a stepper motor and a controller may interface with a stepper motorthrough a stepper motor interface. In an embodiment, an additional motormay expand and/or contract fabric and/or material on a shading elementframe. In an embodiment, a shading element frame may comprise tubes,rods, cross-elements, to which material may be attached. In anembodiment, an additional controller (or an existing controller) maytransmit a signal or commands to a stepper motor interface, which maytransmit a signal to a stepper motor to expand and/or project tubesand/or rods, where the tubes and/or rods may have fabric and/or materialattached. In an embodiment, this may cause fabric and/or material toexpand or open on a shading element frame and provide shading to anindividual. In an embodiment, an additional controller (or an existingcontroller) may transmit a signal and/or commands to a stepper motorinterface, which may transmit a signal to a stepper motor to contractand/or withdraw tubes, rods, and/or frame elements. In an embodiment,contracting and/or withdrawing the tubes, rods, and/or frame elementsmay cause material to fold or close and go to a position where a shadingobject is not providing shade to an individual.

In an embodiment, a humidity sensor and/or a temperature sensor of aplurality of sensors 1320 may generate signals indicative of humidityand/or temperature readings in an environment in which a shading systemis installed and/or located. In an embodiment, a signal having a valuesindicative of the temperature and humidity may be conditioned by asignal conditioning module 1323, compared to reference signals from areference module 1321, converted to a digital signal by the A-to-Dconverter 1322 and transferred to a processor and/or controller 1308. Inan embodiment, a processor or controller 1308 may analyze receivedtemperature and/or humidity signals and/or readings, and determinewhether to turn on a cooling and fog system 1351. In an embodiment, acontroller or processor 1308 may transmit a signal to a cooling logicmodule/air conditioning 1350 regarding received temperature and/orhumidity signals. In an embodiment, a cooling module 1350 transmitssignals, commands, and/or instructions which may cause a cooling andmisting system 1351 to turn on and provide fog and/or mist in anintelligent shading object. In an embodiment, a cooling and mistingsystem 1351 may also include a fan. In an embodiment, a controller 1308and/or cooling logic 1307 may determine the intensity and duration ofthe misting or fogging in the environment.

In an embodiment, a light sensor of the plurality of sensors 1320 maygenerate signals indicative of light intensity and/or direction readingsin an environment in which an intelligent shading object system isinstalled. In an embodiment, a signal having a values indicative of thelight intensity and direction may be conditioned by a signalconditioning module 1323, compared to reference signals from a referencemodule 1321, converted to a digital signal by the A-to-D converter 1322and/or transferred to the controller 1308. In an embodiment, acontroller 1308 may analyze a received light intensity and/or directionsignals and readings, and determine whether to move an intelligentshading system (and/or shading elements) in a vertical or horizontaldirection. If an intelligent shading system (and/or shading elements)are moved in a horizontal direction, signals and/or instructions may besent from stepper motor interfaces 1370 to power amplifier 1371 and toazimuth stepper motor 1372. In an embodiment, an azimuth stepper motor1372 may interface with shading element support frames, support systems,pivot assemblies, and or a base unit to move a shading element system1300 (and/or the shading element(s)) in a horizontal direction. This mayallow the shading system to move and track the direction of the sun andsunlight.

In an embodiment, a light sensor of a plurality of sensors 1320 maygenerate signals indicative of light intensity and direction readings inthe environment in which the shading system is installed. In anembodiment, a signal having a values indicative of the light intensityand direction may be conditioned by the signal conditioning module 1323,compared to reference signals from a reference module 1321, converted toa digital signal by the A-to-D converter 1322 and/or transferred to thecontroller 1308. In an embodiment, a processor or controller 1308 mayanalyze the received light intensity and direction signals and readingsand determine whether to move an intelligent shading system (and/orshading elements) in a vertical or horizontal direction. If anintelligent shading system (and/or shading elements) are to be moved ina vertical direction, signals or instructions may be sent to a steppermotor interfaces 1370 to power amplifier 1373 and then to elevationstepper motor 1374. In an embodiment, an azimuth stepper motor 1374 mayinterface shading element support frames, support systems, pivotassemblies, and or a base unit to move the shading element system 1300(and/or the shading element(s)) in a vertical direction. This may allowan intelligent shading object system to move and track a direction of alight source (e.g., a sun and sunlight). This may also allow a user tomove the shading system up or down to a desired height in a shadingobject environment.

In an embodiment, as described supra, an intelligent shading object maytrack sunlight or sun and/or be able to determine a highest intensity ofsunlight via a variety of techniques or procedures. In an embodiment, aportion of a shading object may include a light sensor installedthereon, adjacent to, or within. In an embodiment, a portion of anintelligent shading object may be a shading element, a support unit,and/or a shading object base assembly. In an embodiment, a light sensor,and a structure on which the light sensor is installed and/or resides,may rotate in a circular motion about a central axis. In an embodiment,a light sensor may track sunlight. In an embodiment, a light sensor mayperform a 360 degree sweep for an environment. Continuing with anillustrative embodiment, a light sensor, in conjunction with acontroller and/or a memory, may register intensities on points on ahorizontal axis. In an embodiment, a light sensor may be collectinglight intensities at hundreds of locations during a 360 degree sweep. Inan embodiment, a light sensor, in conjunction with a controller, maydetermine or identify a highest intensity on horizontal axis and store apoint or location corresponding to a highest intensity.

In an embodiment, a light sensor may move in a vertical direction from asurface on which a light sensor on shading object rests to a top pointfor on which a light sensor may rest. This may be referred to asperforming a vertical sweep of an environment. In an embodiment, a lightsensor, in conjunction with a controller and/or a memory, may registerlight intensities at a number of vertical points (e.g., hundreds orthousands of locations). In this embodiment, a light sensor maydetermine or identify a highest intensity on a vertical axis and store ameasurement corresponding to a vertical location of highest intensity.

In an embodiment, a shading element of the shading object (or anotherportion of a shading object) may return to a vertical positioncorresponding to a highest light intensity. In an embodiment, a shadingelement (or another portion of a shading object) may move in horizontalincrements until a horizontal position is reached that measured ahighest light intensity. In an embodiment, a shading element of anintelligent shading object (or another section and/or component of ashading object) may move in horizontal increments following a movementof a light source (e.g., a sun), and/or a movement of an earth. In anembodiment, a sensor may cause a shading element of a shading object totrack a movement of Earth as it rotates.

In an embodiment, a two-axis sun tracking controller may generatecommands to place shading elements and/or other sections of shadingobjects at an elevation axis value where a photovoltaic sensor receivesenough sunlight (e.g., an initial threshold value). In an embodiment, atwo-axis sun tracking controller may generate commands to position ashading object and/or shading element at approximately a 45° angle so aphoto voltaic sensor may receive enough sunlight.

In an embodiment, a processor or controller may issue commands and/ortransmit signals directly or indirectly to a motor and a motor may movea shading object and/or shading element to complete a sweep (e.g., 360degree sweep) of an azimuth axis. In an embodiment, a shading objectand/or a shading element may rotate 360 degrees around a verticalsupport unit of an intelligent shading object.

In an embodiment, an analog to digital converter (ADC) may be coupledand/or connected to a photo voltaic sensor and/or a controller orprocessor. As an intelligent shading object and/or shading elementsweeps an azimuth axis, an ADC may capture or receive a plurality ofsamples from a photovoltaic sensor in specified timeframes during asweep around an azimuth axis. In an illustrative example, an ADCconverter may capture or receive hundreds and/or thousands of samplesfrom a photo voltaic sensor per second and may also capture a locationof a photovoltaic sensor, a shading element, and/or a shading object. Inan embodiment, a plurality of samples may be captured during a peak holdor a time when a sensor is being utilized and/or monitored. In anembodiment, an ADC may transmit received photo voltaic sensor samples toa controller or processor, and a controller or processor may storevalues representing received photovoltaic sensor samples. In anembodiment, a controller may identify a highest (e.g., peak) valuereceived from an ADC and/or a photovoltaic sensor, and a correspondinglocation of a photovoltaic sensor, a shading element and/or a shadingobject.

In an embodiment, a controller or processor may calculate a shortestpath to a position identified as having a peak value of samples receivedfrom a photo voltaic sensor. In an embodiment, a controller or processormay send out commands or instructions which drive, directly orindirectly, a motor to cause a shading object and/or a shading elementto reverse a direction of movement (e.g., opposite from a direction of asweep) and move in the reverse direction until a shading object and/orshading element reaches a peak value position. In an embodiment, acontroller or processor may send out commands or instructions whichdrive, directly or indirectly, a motor to cause a shading object and/ora shading element to maintain a direction it is moving until a shadingobject and/or shading element reaches a peak value position.

In an embodiment, a controller or processor transmits instructionsand/or signals, directly or indirectly, to a motor to move a shadingobject and/or shading element about an elevation axis to monitor peakvalues received from a photo voltaic sensor. In an illustrativeembodiment, a controller may monitor values received from a photovoltaic sensor moved about a portion and/or section of an elevationaxis, e.g., perform a sweep of only a 45 degree to 90 degree portion ofan elevation axis. In an embodiment, a controller or processor mayidentify a highest (e.g., peak) value received from the ADC converterand/or a photovoltaic sensor, and a corresponding location of aphotovoltaic sensor, a shading element and/or a shading object. In anembodiment, after identifying a highest value from a photovoltaicsensor, a controller may generate commands, instructions or signals todirectly, or indirectly, instruct a motor to move a shading objectand/or shading element to a position on an elevation axis correspondingto a highest sample value from a photovoltaic sensor. In an embodiment,this may be referred to as a peak intensity position.

In an embodiment, a controller or processor may interface with a photovoltaic sensor on a regular or defined basis. In an illustrativeembodiment, a controller or processor may interface with a photo voltaicsensor every 8 or 10 minutes. In an embodiment, if a controller orprocessor determines that a new peak intensity location occurs, acontroller may instruct a shading object and/or a shading element tomove to a newly determined peak intensity position. In an embodiment, acontroller or processor may monitor output of a photo voltaic sensor. Inan embodiment, if a photo voltaic sensor output is below a thresholdlevel, a controller or processor may not generate commands to instruct amotor to move a shading object and/or shading object because there isnot enough sunlight for a photo voltaic sensor to generate enoughvoltage and/or current. In other words, in an embodiment, a shadingobject and/or a shading element may stop moving because a lightintensity in an environment drops below a certain level.

In an embodiment, a shading element of an intelligent shading object mayutilize global positioning information to orient itself during operationand/or periods of non-operation. In an embodiment, a shading element,and/or other sections of a shading object may comprise a GPS receiver.In an illustrative embodiment, a GPS receiver may collect data fromGPS/GNSS signals from satellites and other terrestrial transmitters inorder to find out a location where a shading object may be located.

In an embodiment, a shading object comprises a compass. For example, acompass may be a digital compass. In an embodiment, a compass may be onlocated on a shading element. In an embodiment, a compass may be locatedon a support unit, or another component of an intelligent shadingobject. In an illustrative embodiment, a shading object may collect datagenerated by a compass in order to determine a geographic locationand/or orientation of a shading object. In an embodiment, a shadingobject may check a time at a geographic location. In this illustrativeembodiment, a time value in a geographic location may correspond to alocation of a light source (e.g., a sun) in an environment.

In an embodiment, a controller in a shading object may utilize GPSlocation information from a GPS receiver, orientation information from acompass, and/or a location of a sun in an environment to determine anazimuth angle and an elevation angle for a shading element in a shadingobject. In an embodiment, a processor or controller may generate asignal to drive a motor to move a shading element to an orientation toincrease protection from a sun or a light source. In an embodiment, ashading element may be moved to an orientation to capture a maximumamount of light energy from a sun and/or another light source.

In an embodiment, a controller may continue to receive GPS locationinformation, orientation information from a compass, and/or a locationof a sun in an environment and may continue to generate an azimuth angleand an elevation angle. In this illustrative embodiment, a controllermay generate instructions and/or signals to cause a motor (or motors) tomove a shading element corresponding to a generated azimuth and/orelevation angles. In an embodiment, a controller may cause a shadingelement to be moved incrementally to a location corresponding to agenerated azimuth and/or elevation angles.

In an embodiment, a controller or processor may interface with a GPSreceiver or sensor. In an embodiment, a GPS sensor may be a 2 axis GPSsun tracker. In an embodiment, a GPS receiver may utilize a latitudemeasurement, a longitude measurement, a reference time (e.g. a UTCand/or a GMT time), a local time, and/or a number of days since a startof a calendar year to calculate an elevation angle and/or an azimuthangle for movement of a shading object and/or a shading element. In anembodiment, a GPS sensor may transmit a latitude measurement, alongitude measurement, a reference time, a local time, and/or a numberof days to a controller or processor. In an embodiment, a controller orprocessor may calculate an elevation angle and an azimuth angle forplacement of a shading object and/or shading element based on one ormore of the received readings. In an embodiment, a controller maygenerate instructions and/or send signals, directly or indirectly (e.g.,through an interface and an amplifier) to a motor to drive a shadingobject and/or a shading element to a position perpendicular to rays of alight source, (e.g., sun).

In an embodiment, a shading object and/or a shading element may comprisea digital compass. In an embodiment, a digital compass may be a 3-axisdigital compass. In an embodiment, a digital compass may first find truenorth and then determine a shading object's location with respect totrue north (e.g., a shading object's orientation). Once a shadingelement's orientation is determined, in an embodiment, a controller orprocessor may instruct and/or transmit signals, directly or indirectly(through an interface and/or amplifier) to a motor to move a shadingobject and/or a shading element to a desired orientation. In anembodiment, if a shading object and/or a shading element may be moved(e.g., a user moves a shading element to provide shade for a differentperson or in a different location), a digital compass may calculate anew position after a shading object is moved.

In an embodiment, a shading object may comprise a motion detector. In anembodiment, a shading object may include a memory, integrated with, orseparate from a controller or processor. A memory, may have storedtherein, shading object settings corresponding to previous locationsand/or times of day. In an embodiment, a controller or processor maycompare a current geographic location to stored locations in a memory.In an embodiment, if a match to a stored location is determined, acontroller may transmit commands, instructions, and/or signals to informa user (via a control panel or a user interface of a electronic deviceor a computing device) that a location match has occurred, and ask auser if a controller or processor should generate commands, instructionsor transmit signals (indirectly or directly) to cause a motor (ormotors) to utilize shading object settings in configuring an intelligentshading object.

In an embodiment, a motion detector may identify if a shading objectionhas been moved. In an embodiment, a motion detector may operate even ifa shading object is in a powered down mode. In an embodiment, a motiondetector may be an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. In an embodiment, acontroller or processor in a shading object may monitor a motiondetector. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller or processor maymonitor a motion detector once a controller or processor enters a poweron operational state. If a motion detector generates a signalidentifying movement, a controller or processor may acquire new readingsfrom a sun sensor and/or a global positioning sensor.

In an embodiment, an intelligent shading object (and/or sections of anintelligent shading object) may be controlled by a number of electronicdevices. For example, in this context, sections may comprise a shadingelement (or shading element), a first motor and controller, a secondmotor and controller, a support unit, a storage unit, a misting system,a Bluetooth unit, a power and/or battery management system, a projectionunit, and/or a base unit. In an embodiment, a controlling electronicdevice may be a remote control, a laptop computer, a cellular phone, asmart phone, a tablet, a digital music player and/or other computingdevices. In an embodiment, one electronic device (or computing device)may control most functions and in another embodiments, one or moreelectronic devices (or computing devices) may control different sectionsof a shading object. This may be beneficial when an electronic devicebecomes non-operational (e.g., loses power or is out of range) or whenonly a specific electronic device may be operated with a specificenvironment.

In an embodiment, a shading object may comprise a wireless digital musicplayer. In an illustrative embodiment, a wireless digital music playermay comprise a Bluetooth MP3 player. In an embodiment, a controller orprocessor may be separate and/or independent of a controller. In anembodiment, a controller or processor and a wireless digital musicplayer may be integrated on a chip. In an embodiment, a wireless digitalmusic player may pair with a digital audio music source. In anembodiment, a digital music player may establish a communication sessionwith a digital audio music source. In an embodiment, a digital audiomusic source may be a smartphone and/or a computing device. After awireless digital music player has established a communication sessionwith a digital audio music source, a digital audio music source maystream digital audio to a wireless digital music player. A wirelessdigital music player may receive digital audio and transmit receiveddigital audio to a speaker for playback. In an embodiment, a wirelessdigital music player may have an integrated speaker, or alternatively, aspeaker assembly may be located on support stand, a base assembly, or ashading element of a shading object. In an embodiment, a wirelessdigital music player may comprise a user interface for controllingoperation, such as up/down volume, pause, turning device on/off. In anembodiment, a shading object may comprise a control panel forcommunicating with and/or controlling operation of a wireless digitalmusic player, such as up/down volume, pause, turning device on/off. Inan embodiment, a digital audio music source (e.g., smartphone) maycomprise a user interface for communicating with and/or controllingoperation of a wireless digital music player.

In an embodiment, an intelligent shading object may comprise a camera.In this embodiment, an intelligent shading object may compriseinstructions, stored in a memory, which when executed by a controllerand/or a processor, may cause a processor to implement facialrecognition software functions.

In an embodiment, a shading object may comprise a processor, memory, anda controller. In an embodiment, software instructions may be stored in amemory of a controller. In an embodiment, software instructions may beexecuted by a processor, and perform facial recognition on individualsin a vicinity of a shading object. In an embodiment, a shading objectmay comprise an imaging device, e.g., a digital camera. In anembodiment, an imaging device may monitor an area around a shadingobject and may capture images of individuals within an area. In anembodiment, an imaging device may capture still images and/or videoimages. In an embodiment, an imaging device may transmit captured imagesto a wireless receiver in an intelligent shading object. In anembodiment, an imaging device may initiate a transmission, or in anotherembodiment, a wireless transceiver may request a digital imagetransmission. In an embodiment, a wireless transceiver may transferand/or transmit a received digital image to a controller or processor ina shading object. In an embodiment, a controller or processor maycompare a received digital image to reference digital images ofindividuals, e.g., individuals who utilize a shading object and whoseimages may have been stored in a memory of a controller and/or aseparate memory of a shading object. In an embodiment, digital images ofindividuals may be facial digital images. In an embodiment, digitalimages of individuals may be body digital images (either portions ofbody or full body). If a controller or processor finds a match between areceived digital image and one of a reference digital images, acontroller or processor may set an indicator that a match with anindividual has been identified. In an embodiment, a controller orprocessor may retrieve personal settings for a matched individual. In anembodiment of an invention, personal settings may be for differentaspects of a shading object. For example, personal settings may becomprised of wireless digital music player settings (e.g., volume, aplaylist), umbrella location settings (e.g., azimuth and/or elevationsettings), cooling mist settings, video projection settings, and/orlight projection settings. In an embodiment, a controller or processormay transmit commands and/or signals associated with above-identifiedsettings directly or indirectly to a wireless digital music player toestablish music player settings, to a motor to place a shading objectand/or shading element in established umbrella location setting, to acooling mist system, a video projector, and/or a light projector. In anembodiment, a controller.

In an embodiment, a captured image may be compared to an individual'sknown reference image. In an illustrative example, a controller orprocessor, executing facial recognition software stored in the memorymay compare a captured image to an individuals' known reference imageand identify if any significant differences are present between theimages. For example, in an embodiment, a comparison by a controller orprocessor may note if skin color or tone has changed and is redder thannormal, which may indicate that an individual has a sunburn. In anillustrative embodiment, a controller or processor may transmitinstructions or signals to an audio receiver to generate voice commandstelling an individual to utilize a shading object and/or stay within ashading area.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process to position ashading object in a shading element. Of course, embodiments are intendedto be illustrative examples rather than be limiting with respect toclaimed subject matter. Likewise, for ease of explanation, an embodimentmay be simplified to illustrate aspects and/or features in a manner thatis intended to not obscure claimed subject matter through excessivespecificity and/or unnecessary details. Embodiments in accordance withclaimed subject matter may include all of, less than, or more thanblocks 1405-1440. Also, the order of blocks 1405-1440 is merely as anexample order.

FIG. 14, describes, in an embodiment, positioning of a shading elementin a shading object. Referring to FIG. 14, in block 1405, in anembodiment, a sun sensor coupled and/or connected to a shading elementmay be moved about an azimuth axis. In an embodiment, a controller orprocessor may generate instructions to cause a sun sensor coupled to theshading element may perform a 360° sweep of an azimuth axis. In block1410, in an embodiment, a sun sensor may generate a plurality of lightintensity values for a plurality of locations about an azimuth axis. Inother words, in an embodiment where a 360° sweep is performed along anazimuth axis, hundreds and/or thousands of sample values of lightintensity values corresponding to locations along an azimuth axis may begenerated and/or captured.

At block 1415, a controller or processor may receive captured lightintensity values and associated locations and calculate a peak lightintensity value and corresponding peak intensity location. In anembodiment, at block 1420, a controller or processor transmits commandsand/or signals, directly or indirectly, to a motor to move a shadingelement to a peak intensity location on the azimuth axis.

In an embodiment, at block 1425, a controller or processor transmitsinstructions and/or signals, directly or indirectly, to a motor to movea shading element and/or other shading element sections, which may havea sun or light intensity sensor. In an embodiment, a sun sensor or lightintensity sensor may move about an elevation axis. In an illustrativeembodiment, a sun sensor may move between 45 and 90 degrees about and/oraround an elevation axis.

In an embodiment, at block 1430, a sun sensor may generate a pluralityof sun sensor values and associated locations about an elevation axisand may transmit generated sun sensor values and associated location viaa wireless transceiver in a shading object and further to a controlleror processor. In an embodiment, a memory in a shading object may storegenerated light sensor values and associated locations on an elevationaxis.

In an embodiment, at block 1435, a controller or processor may monitorreceived light sensor values and associated locations. Continuing withthis illustrative embodiment, a controller or processor may captureand/or identify a peak intensity value and corresponding peak intensitylocation about an elevation axis.

In an embodiment, at block 1440, a controller or processor may generateand transmit instructions and/or signals, directly or indirectly, to amotor to cause a shading element to move to an identified peak intensitylocation about an elevation axis (e.g., in a vertical direction).

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process to position ashading object in a shading element utilizing a global positioningsensor and/or receiver. Of course, embodiments are intended to beillustrative examples rather than be limiting with respect to claimedsubject matter. Likewise, for ease of explanation, an embodiment may besimplified to illustrate aspects and/or features in a manner that isintended to not obscure claimed subject matter through excessivespecificity and/or unnecessary details. Embodiments in accordance withclaimed subject matter may include all of, less than, or more thanblocks 1505-1545. Also, the order of blocks 1505-1545 is merely as anexample order.

In an embodiment, an intelligent shading object may comprise a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver and/or sensor. In an embodiment, a GPSreceiver and/or sensor may be located and/or installed on a shadingelement, a support unit, a base unit, a projection unit, and/or anysection of a shading object. In an embodiment, at step 1505, a GPSreceiver, installed on a portion and/or component of an intelligentshading object, may capture and/or receive a latitude and/or latitude ofan intelligent shading object.

In an embodiment, at step 1510, a controller or processor may receivecaptured latitude and longitude values and may calculate an azimuthangle and/or an elevation angle for a shading object based, at least inpart, on captured latitude readings and/or captured longitude readings.In an embodiment, at step 1515, a controller may generate and transmitinstructions and/or signals, directly or indirectly, to a motor to causea motor to move a shading element to a calculated azimuth angle and acalculated elevation angle.

In an embodiment, at step 1520, a GPS receiver, coupled and/or connectedto a shading object, may capture, utilizing a GPS receiver and/orsensor, a reference time, a local time, and/or a number of days since astart of a calendar year. In an embodiment, a controller or processormay receive a captured reference time, captured local time, and/or acaptured number of days since a start of a year. In an embodiment, atstep 1530, a controller or processor may calculate an azimuth angle andan elevation angle for an intelligent shading object based, at least inpart, on a captured reference time, captured local time, and/or a numberof days since start of a year. In an embodiment, at step 1535, acontroller or processor may generate and/or transmit commands orsignals, directly or indirectly, to a motor to cause a motor to move ashading element to a calculated azimuth angle and/or a calculatedelevation angle.

In an embodiment, in step 1540, a digital compass may determine a trueNorth heading and/or generate a direction reading for a shading object.In an embodiment, a controller may receive a direction reading andcalculate an updated azimuth angle and an updated elevation angle for ashading object based, at least in part, on a calculated directionreading. In an embodiment, in step 1545, a controller or processor maygenerate and/or transmit instructions and/or signals, directly orindirectly to a motor, to cause a motor to move a shading element to aposition corresponding to a calculated updated azimuth angle and acalculated updated elevation angle.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process to applypersonal settings to a shading object. Of course, embodiments areintended to be illustrative examples rather than be limiting withrespect to claimed subject matter. Likewise, for ease of explanation, anembodiment may be simplified to illustrate aspects and/or features in amanner that is intended to not obscure claimed subject matter throughexcessive specificity and/or unnecessary details. Embodiments inaccordance with claimed subject matter may include all of, less than, ormore than blocks 1605-1630. Also, the order of blocks 1605-1630 ismerely as an example order.

In an embodiment, an imaging device may capture an image of anindividual in an area in which a shading object is placed. In anembodiment, an imaging device comprises a digital camera, a videocamera, a smart phone, and other similar device. In an embodiment, atstep 1605, an imaging device may transmit a captured image to a wirelesstransceiver in a shading object and a wireless transceiver may receivethe captured image.

In an embodiment, a shading object may comprise a controller orprocessor, and a memory. A memory may comprise and have stored thereinreference images of individuals for comparison. In an embodiment, atstep 1610, a controller may retrieve reference images from a memory. Inan embodiment, at step 1615, a controller may compare a received digitalimage to reference digital images stored in memory of a controller ofthe shading object.

In an embodiment, at step 1620, a controller may match a receiveddigital image to one of a plurality of reference digital images. In anembodiment, personalized settings for an individual may be stored in amemory of a shading object. In an illustrative embodiment, personalizedsettings may comprise shading object orientation and/or adjustmentsettings, digital music selection and/or playback settings, mistingsystem settings, light projector settings, and/or video projectorsettings, along with other similar settings.

In an embodiment, at step 1625, a controller may retrieve personalsettings for an individual who had a reference digital image matchedwith captured image.

In an embodiment, at step 1630, a controller may utilize retrievedpersonal settings for a shading object and transmit signals orinstructions to components of a shading object and apply personalsettings to associated components of the shading object. In anillustrative example, if personal settings are for shading objectorientation and location settings, a controller or processor maytransmit instructions and/or signals, directly or indirectly, to a motorto cause a shading object and/or a shading element to move to a desiredorientation and/or location on, for example, an azimuth axis and/or anelevation axis. In an illustrative example, a controller or processormay communicate instructions and/or signals, directly or indirectly, toa digital music player which may cause a digital music player to startplaying an individual's playlist. In an illustrative embodiment, acontroller or processor may communicate audio signals directly orindirectly to a speaker with a personalized greeting for an individual.In an illustrative embodiment, a controller or processor may communicateinstructions and/or signals, directly or indirectly, to a misting systemto mist an area at a predetermined intensity. Similarly, in anillustrative embodiment, a controller or processor may communicateinstructions and/or signals to a light and/or video projection systemwith light settings desired by an individual and/or video settingsdesired by an individual.

A computing device may be a server, a computer, a laptop computer, amobile computing device, and/or a tablet. A computing device may, forexample, include a desktop computer or a portable device, such as acellular telephone, a smart phone, a display pager, a radio frequency(RF) device, an infrared (IR) device, a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a settop box, a wearable computer, an integrated device combining variousfeatures, such as features of the forgoing devices, or the like.

Internal architecture of a computing device includes one or moreprocessors (also referred to herein as CPUs), which interface with atleast one computer bus. Also interfacing with computer bus arepersistent storage medium/media, network interface, memory, e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM), run-time transient memory, read only memory (ROM),etc., media disk drive interface, an interface for a drive that can readand/or write to media including removable media such as floppy, CD-ROM,DVD, etc., media, display interface as interface for a monitor or otherdisplay device, keyboard interface as interface for a keyboard, mouse,trackball and/or pointing device, and other interfaces not shownindividually, such as parallel and serial port interfaces, a universalserial bus (USB) interface, and the like.

Memory, in a computing device and/or an intelligent shading objectsystem, interfaces with computer bus so as to provide information storedin memory to processor during execution of software programs such as anoperating system, application programs, device drivers, and softwaremodules that comprise program code or logic, and/or computer-executableprocess steps, incorporating functionality described herein, e.g., oneor more of process flows described herein. CPU first loadscomputer-executable process steps or logic from storage, e.g., memory1004, storage medium/media, removable media drive, and/or other storagedevice. CPU can then execute the stored process steps in order toexecute the loaded computer-executable process steps. Stored data, e.g.,data stored by a storage device, can be accessed by CPU during theexecution of computer-executable process steps.

Persistent storage medium/media is a computer readable storage medium(s)that can be used to store software and data, e.g., an operating systemand one or more application programs, in a computing device or storagesubsystem of an intelligent shading object. Persistent storagemedium/media also be used to store device drivers, such as one or moreof a digital camera driver, monitor driver, printer driver, scannerdriver, or other device drivers, web pages, content files, metadata,playlists and other files. Persistent storage medium/media 1006 canfurther include program modules/program logic in accordance withembodiments described herein and data files used to implement one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

A computing device or a processor or controller may include or mayexecute a variety of operating systems, including a personal computeroperating system, such as a Windows, iOS or Linux, or a mobile operatingsystem, such as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, or the like. Acomputing device, or a processor or controller in an intelligent shadingcontroller may include or may execute a variety of possibleapplications, such as a software applications enabling communicationwith other devices, such as communicating one or more messages such asvia email, short message service (SMS), or multimedia message service(MMS), including via a network, such as a social network, including, forexample, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Flickr, or Google+, to provideonly a few possible examples. A computing device or a processor orcontroller in an intelligent shading object may also include or executean application to communicate content, such as, for example, textualcontent, multimedia content, or the like. A computing device or aprocessor or controller in an intelligent shading object may alsoinclude or execute an application to perform a variety of possibletasks, such as browsing, searching, playing various forms of content,including locally stored or streamed content. The foregoing is providedto illustrate that claimed subject matter is intended to include a widerange of possible features or capabilities. A computing device or aprocessor or controller in an intelligent shading object may alsoinclude imaging software applications for capturing, processing,modifying and transmitting image files utilizing the optical device(e.g., camera, scanner, optical reader) within a mobile computingdevice.

Network link typically provides information communication usingtransmission media through one or more networks to other devices thatuse or process the information. For example, network link may provide aconnection through a network (LAN, WAN, Internet, packet-based orcircuit-switched network) to a server, which may be operated by a thirdparty housing and/or hosting service. For example, the server may be theserver described in detail above. The server hosts a process thatprovides services in response to information received over the network,for example, like application, database or storage services. It iscontemplated that the components of system can be deployed in variousconfigurations within other computer systems, e.g., host and server.

For the purposes of this disclosure a computer readable medium storescomputer data, which data can include computer program code that isexecutable by a computer, in machine readable form. By way of example,and not limitation, a computer readable medium may comprise computerreadable storage media, for tangible or fixed storage of data, orcommunication media for transient interpretation of code-containingsignals. Computer readable storage media, as used herein, refers tophysical or tangible storage (as opposed to signals) and includeswithout limitation volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for thetangible storage of information such as computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readablestorage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, orother optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other physical ormaterial medium which can be used to tangibly store the desiredinformation or data or instructions and which can be accessed by acomputer or processor.

For the purposes of this disclosure a system or module is a software,hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof), process orfunctionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates theprocesses, features, and/or functions described herein (with or withouthuman interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules.Software components of a module may be stored on a computer readablemedium. Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded andexecuted by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped intoan engine or an application.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems ofthe present disclosure may be implemented in many manners and as suchare not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments andexamples. In other words, functional elements being performed by singleor multiple components, in various combinations of hardware and softwareor firmware, and individual functions, may be distributed among softwareapplications at either the client or server or both. In this regard, anynumber of the features of the different embodiments described herein maybe combined into single or multiple embodiments, and alternateembodiments having fewer than, or more than, all of the featuresdescribed herein are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or inpart, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or tobecome known. Thus, myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations arepossible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces andpreferences described herein. Moreover, the scope of the presentdisclosure covers conventionally known manners for carrying out thedescribed features and functions and interfaces, as well as thosevariations and modifications that may be made to the hardware orsoftware or firmware components described herein as would be understoodby those skilled in the art now and hereafter.

While certain exemplary techniques have been described and shown hereinusing various methods and systems, it should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, andequivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subjectmatter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter withoutdeparting from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it isintended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particularexamples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may alsoinclude all implementations falling within the scope of the appendedclaims, and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shading object, comprising: a base unit; one ormore support units coupled to the base unit; a louver system coupled tothe one or more support units; and a plurality of shading elementscoupled to the one or more support units and the louver system.
 2. Theshading object of claim 1, wherein the one or more support units arepositioned next to each other when the shading object is in a closedposition.
 3. The shading object of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofshading elements may be folded when the shading object is in a closedposition.
 4. The shading object of claim 1, wherein the one or moresupport units are moved apart from each other when the shading object isin an open position.
 5. The shading object of claim 4, furthercomprising, in response to the one or more support units being movedapart from each other, the plurality of shading elements are expanded toa deployed position and provide shade to individuals in an area aroundthe shading object.
 6. The shading object of claim 1, wherein the louversystem adjusts a horizontal and/or a vertical orientation of at leastone of the plurality of shading elements.
 7. The shading object of claim1, wherein the base unit further comprises one or more weightcompartments to provide stability to the shading object.
 8. The shadingobject of claim 1, the base unit further comprising a first rotationunit, a controller, and a first motor, the first motor to receivecommands from the controller, the first motor to communicate commands tothe rotation unit, and the first rotation unit to cause the one or moresupport mechanisms to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwisedirection.
 9. The shading object of claim 8, further comprising asunlight sensor, the sunlight sensor communicating a signal to thecontroller to cause rotation of the shading object.
 10. The shadingobject of claim 1, further comprising a support deployment mechanism anda second motor, the support deployment mechanism coupled to the one ormore support units and the second motor, the second motor to drive thesupport deployment mechanism to cause movement of the one or moresupport units from a closed position to an open position.
 11. Theshading object of claim 1, further comprising a support deploymentmechanism and a mechanical assembly, the support deployment mechanismcoupled to the one or more support units and the mechanical assembly,the mechanical assembly to drive the support deployment mechanism tocause the one or more support units from a closed position to an openposition.
 12. The shading object of claim 1, wherein the one or moresupport units are detachable from the base unit.
 13. The shading objectof claim 1, wherein the louver system is a mechanical system utilizingone or more ropes, wherein adjusting of the one or more ropesrepositioning a horizontal and/or vertical orientation of the pluralityof shading elements.
 14. The shading object of claim 1, the louversystem further comprising one or more pivot hinges, the one or morepivot hinges located in pairs on opposite sides of the one or moresupport units.
 15. The shading object of claim 14, the louver systemfurther comprising a deployment unit, the deployment unit coupled to theone or more pivot hinges to cause movement in a horizontal and/orvertical orientation of the one or more shading elements.
 16. Theshading object of claim 15, the deployment unit allowing individualmovement of each of the one or more shading elements.
 17. The shadingobject of claim 15, the deployment unit integrated into the base unit.18. The shading object of claim 1, further comprising one or morephotocells disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality ofshading elements.
 19. The shading object of claim 1, further comprisinga light sensor to detect a direction and/or intensity of a light source.20. The shading object of claim 19, further comprising a controller, arotation unit, and a first motor, the light sensor communicating asignal to the controller in the base unit, the controller to communicatewith the first motor to cause the rotation unit to rotate the shadingobject.